By Jess Baker
A record number of Southern Downs residents celebrated becoming Australian citizens last week, pledging their loyalty and commitment to the nation at Warwick Town Hall on Wednesday 15 September.
Mui Chun (Wendy) Liu was one of 40 people recognised during a citizenship ceremony at the hall, hosted by Southern Downs Regional Council.
She said gaining citizenship status had been a goal of hers since first arriving in Stanthorpe eight years ago to work on Rizzato and Sons’ apple farm.
“When I first came here, I really fell in love with the country,” Wendy said.
“The nature, the people … I’m from a big city, Hong Kong. It’s just totally different.”
Wendy said the idea of natural living drew her to Stanthorpe initially and the lovely local people kept her there, including her now-partner who she happened to meet in 2015 at the deli in Woolworths.
Also celebrating becoming citizens last week were Jonathan, Natalee, Joshua, and Kaleb Millard of Warwick.
Kaleb, 11, said he moved to Warwick from South Africa at four years old, and life had been “pretty good” since.
He and his brother Joshua, 13, said that while they didn’t have to complete a citizenship test or an interview to become Australian citizens, there was plenty of study going on at home as their parents prepared for their tests.
Joshua he was looking forward to celebrating his citizenship with his family after the ceremony.
Southern Downs Mayor Vic Pennisi officiated the ceremony on Wednesday, offering his congratulations and best wishes to Australia’s newest citizens.
“Our 40 candidates for Australian citizenship here today have come to us from different parts of the globe. You will all further add to our diverse and multicultural Australian community,” he said.
“Australia welcomes your commitment and we encourage you to participate in your community, to contribute to your new country and to help build our great nation’s future.”
Australia’s newest citizens on the Southern Downs
• Marvelyn Barri Abrenica
• Rahma Barri Abrenica
• Randy Erojo Abrenica
• Lindsay Craig Adams
• Annika Gillian Humol Bajade
• Shem Canosa Bajade
• Vanndre Lucas Humol Bajade
• Abraham Josef Basson
• Anli Basson
• Owen Basson
• Sonja Basson
• Caroline Gladys Bertinazzi
• Diana Humangit Coates
• Michel Andre Devaud
• Eia Angela Dalit Dolendres
• Jay Merino Dolendres
• Jeianne Erika Dalit Dolendres
• Bernadette Apura Hartnett
• Dominic Edulan Infante
• Rei Alexi Senense Infante
• Ria Senense Infante
• Jihye Lee
• Mui Chun Liu
• Elpidio Gil Cardenas Macamos
• Jovie Jane Macamos
• Jonathan Claude Millard
• Joshua Claude Millard
• Kaleb Ethan Millard
• Natalee Millard
• Maree Nikles
• Margaret Otto
• Rodelio Sotares Ranola
• Mark David Richards
• Marivic Cardinal Smart
• Neha Sood
• Vebet Rabuyo Tolliday
• Jatin Trehan
• Anton Pieter Van Der Westhuizen
• Maxine Van Der Westhuizen
• Hana van Soest Jarocka
