The City of Casey is thrilled to be hosting citizenship ceremonies again following a brief pause in 2020 due to COVID-19.
Becoming an Australian citizen is a proud and happy day, one to be shared with family, friends and the community.
For some it has been a long road, and to have the opportunity to finally stand in front of your community and share the joy and experience makes it all worthwhile.
Multiculturalism is the cornerstone of Australian society; it is our shared diversity that is not only our strength but that unites us as a community. The residents of Casey can proudly say they belong to one of the most diverse municipalities in the state.
We are home to:
• more than 360,000 residents from around 150 different cultural backgrounds
• one of the largest populations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents in metropolitan Melbourne
• a high number of residents from refugee or asylum seeker backgrounds
• residents who speak over 140 different languages
• residents of more than 120 faiths.
It is a day that Jebakumar's family have looked forward to for many years. Jebakumar, his wife Charli Sathya and their two children arrived in Australia in February 2015, from Puducherry, a French colony in India.
Since moving to the City of Casey in May 2016, Jebakumar said they have enjoyed everything the municipality has to offer, including Bunjil Place, Casey Fields, Casey RACE and Wilson Botanic Park.
"We do not have to think of going anywhere outside of the City of Casey, including to be with our friends. There is beautiful scenery everywhere and a never-ending list of places to visit," Jebakumar said.
"We never dreamt, or planned, to settle down and have citizenship in Australia in our lifetime. We are so happy and delighted about it.
"The freedom and peaceful style of living is the best, the whole world has been through tough times and we felt that Australia is one of the safest places on earth. Even if you are on a low income you can lead a good life, it has everything to offer."
The three citizenship ceremonies held at Bunjil Place on Tuesday 6 July saw 490 residents become Australian citizens. It was a celebratory day for all and the City of Casey wishes a warm welcome to all our new citizens!
