Happy in a land of freedom and sun

Geraldton welcomed 52 new citizens who pledged allegiance to Australia at Stow Gardens on Sunday. Although their backgrounds were very diverse, several strong themes emerged when The Midwest Times asked them why they had sought citizenship. Heike Hess-Hirschhausen came from Germany 27 years ago. She said she had lived for 25 years in Geraldton, and it felt like home. “I love the sunshine, I love the ocean, I love the beaches, the people, everyone’s very welcoming and open and friendly,” she said. “Also I want to be able to vote.” Shareen Abdel-Sadek from Egypt had similar reasons for wanting to be an Australian. “It’s free, I can vote here freely and I have my choices here,” she said. “I love the land, I love the nature here, I love the people. “All the people here are very nice, thank God for that, and it’s a better education for my kids and a better life for my family.” Louraefel Sayloon from the Philippines agreed. “We have every opportunity here,” she said. “This is a very great country, the best.” Mayor Shane Van Styn, Member for Geraldton Ian Blayney and Agricultural Region member Laurie Graham congratulated the new citizens, presented their citizenship certificates and welcome gifts. *** Geraldton and Mullewa local heroes honoured: Geraldton identity Dane Waters was named citizen of the year among a list of other award recipients at the City of Greater Geraldton’s WA Active Citizen of the Year Awards.