Pictured (L to R): New Citizens Dinusha Assiriyage and Charmaine Grace Montes recently became Australian citizens.
Australian Citizenship Day, on Tuesday 17 September, marks a significant milestone for 128 new citizens in The Hills Shire.
This symbolic event celebrates our democratic values and the pride of becoming an Australian citizen. It also offers a moment to reflect on how citizenship unites us as Australians.
We spoke with two new citizens, Dinusha Assiriyage and Charmaine Grace Montes, about their journeys and thoughts on becoming Australian citizens.
Q&A with Dinusha Assiriyage
Q: What are you most excited about in becoming a citizen?
A: To be able to call Australia home and be part of a vibrant community.
Q: What was your previous country of citizenship, and why did you want to become an Australian citizen?
A: I am from Sri Lanka. I moved to Australia for better opportunities and a higher standard of living for my family. I'm happy to say we got exactly what we wished for.
Q: What do you think unites us as Australians?
A: I believe mutual respect and fairness in the social system create a platform for all of us to unite as Australians.
Q&A with Charmaine Grace Montes
Q: What are you most excited about in becoming a citizen?
A: Becoming a citizen is exciting for me because it will allow me to fully participate in the democratic process through voting and having a say in the future of this country that I now call home.
Q: What was your previous country of citizenship, and why did you want to become an Australian citizen?
A: I was previously a citizen of the Philippines. Having lived in Australia for a while, I've built strong connections with friends and family here. This personal and cultural bond with Australia made me want to fully integrate into society.
Q: What do you think unites us as Australians?
A: The sense of community and belonging unites us as Australians, along with our passion for looking out for each other.
