New citizens to be welcomed with celebration

Broome will join towns and regions across the nation in welcoming its newest citizens as part of Australia Day 2013 celebrations.

Eight people from four different countries will become Australian citizens in a special ceremony conducted by Shire of Broome President Graeme Campbell at Town Beach’s Lions Pioneer Park on the morning of Saturday, January 26.

“Australia Day is a special day for all Australians to acknowledge what we love about this nation and a chance for us to celebrate our Australian citizenship as the bond which unites us all, whether we are Australian by birth or by choice,” Cr Campbell said.

“It’s a particularly significant occasion for those Broome residents choosing to become Australian citizens, as they pledge their commitment to Australia and its people and accept the privileges and responsibilities of Australian citizenship.

“On the most popular day of the year to become an Australian citizen, our ceremony is one of 430 across every State and Territory, with about 17,000 people scheduled to become citizens around the nation.”

In Broome the citizenship ceremony will take place as part of the Combined Community Service Clubs Breakfast, along with the presentation of the Premier’s Active Citizenship Awards.

Lions Club of Broome vice-president Simon Penn said Australia Day was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate with community service clubs once again joining forces to put on an event for the entire town.

“For just $2, everyone can enjoy a cooked breakfast of bacon, eggs, sausages, toast and lambs fry, as well as tea or coffee,” he said.

“There will be free live music and train rides and face painting for the kids, so bring along a picnic rug or some folding chairs to make a morning of it.

The event starts at 8am and includes live music and other activities for children.