Nearly 40 Melbourne people, most of whom arrived under Australia’s refugee and humanitarian program, will become citizens tomorrow in a Refugee Week-inspired citizenship ceremony hosted by the Western Bulldogs Football Club in Footscray.
The 39 conferees came to Australia from 14 countries including Somalia, the Sudan, Burma, India, the former Yugoslavia, Thailand, Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia.
Rick Kiembe Mwamba, 2010 Hobsons Bay Young Citizen of the Year, who arrived as a refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2007, will be the guest speaker at this Footscray ceremony.
Rick, 18, has been hailed as a role model by community leaders in Melbourne’s west. The Year 12 student speaks five languages, loves to play sport and enjoys meeting new people and getting involved in his local community. At tomorrow’s ceremony, Rick will tell new citizens about his experiences in Australia and how he not only survived but thrived through challenges.
“Tomorrow’s ceremony is particularly special, as many people who have experienced past hardship as refugees celebrate their new lives as Australian citizens,” a DIAC spokesperson said.
“Australia provides comprehensive support systems for refugees and others in humanitarian need and consistently ranks among the world’s top three resettlement countries, along with the United States and Canada.
“Since the end of World War II, about 750 000 refugees have been resettled in Australia. A further 13 750 people will be welcomed through the humanitarian program in the 2010-11 program year.
“Becoming an Australian citizen is an exciting step that shows commitment and loyalty to this country and the desire to share a common future.
“Australia has been enriched by the cultures of people from more than 200 countries who have chosen to call Australia home, and I am certain our new citizens will continue this tradition.”
Tomorrow’s refugee citizenship ceremony begins at 5.30pm at the Western Bulldogs Football Club, Whitten Oval, 417 Barkly Street, Footscray.
Media Enquiries: National Communications 02 6264 2244 or 0401 335 356.
Source:http://www.newsroom.immi.gov.au/media_releases/822
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