New Aussies welcomed

Albany is home to 17 new Australians after migrants from the UK, Ukraine, South Africa and the Philippines took the citizenship oath at a ceremony last Thursday.

Picture: The new citizens with City of Albany Mayor Milton Evans.

Albany Mayor Milton Evans said the diverse group was “most welcome”.

“Citizenship is a common bond which unites all Australians, whether they are Australia’s traditional inhabitants, first generation migrants or the descendants of earlier settlers,” Mr Evans said. “Our rich heritage stems from the contributions of all of these people.”

“Regardless of cultural background they have made a conscious choice to become Australian.”

Rosalie Bombasi said she and her husband Allan were proud to become Australians, and would raise her two children Andrea and Andrei as Australians.

“We like the weather, the people, we love the view and we have family and close friends here, Filipino friends,” she said.

“We want to get an Australian passport and we want to live in Australia.”

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