New Australians welcomed at Citizenship Day ceremony in Geraldton

Geraldton celebrated Australian Citizenship Day by welcoming a new group of certified Aussies on Friday. The ceremony was one of many across the country in which thousands became Australian citizens. Albina Speldewinde, an immigrant from the Philippines who has lived in Geraldton for seven years, was one of 14 who celebrated officially becoming an Australian. “It’s awesome mate!” Ms Speldewinde said with her best Australian accent. “(Geraldton) is a really good place to live. “Australia is a good country, a lucky country.” City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn attended the event to welcome Geraldton’s newest Australians. “Australian Citizenship Day is an opportunity for all Australians in their community, whether by birth or by choice, to reflect on and celebrate what’s great about being Australian,” Mr Van Styn said. “I encourage everyone in Greater Geraldton to reflect on and affirm their Australian citizenship today as we warmly welcome our newest citizens.” So far this year, 111 people have become Australian citizens in Geraldton. The City says its staff have been working tirelessly through a backlog of citizenship ceremonies after disruptions caused by the pandemic. Australian Citizenship Day is celebrated each year on September 17.