But for 22 residents in the Shire of Busselton, including Ester and Juan-Pierre Jordaan, it promised extra significance. At a ceremony at Rotary Park yesterday morning they were to become Australian Citizens.

Ester and her son Juan-Pierre emigrated from South Africa in May, 2007, and said that the reason they came to Australia was because of the opportunities it offered.

“It has been an amazing journey for us,” Ester said.

“We are very grateful for the opportunity and are honoured to become Australian citizens. We believe our prospects are better here.”

When the Mail asked what their favourite aspect about living in Australia was, she said: “There are too many to count. The lifestyle is just fantastic.”

When they came to Australia it was on rural visas and Ester and Juan-Pierre picked Busselton because they thought it was the best rural town.

And they loved it so much that they have decided to make Busselton their permanent home.

“We travelled around Australia but couldn’t find a better place to live than Busselton.

“The community here has been very welcoming, for which we are grateful,” Ester said.

Juan-Pierre is currently training to become a pilot and said that when he finished he hoped to be able to help others achieve the same dream.

“I am very grateful for this chance. It is giving me a better platform for the future,” he said.

And what did they plan to do on their first day as Australian citizens?

The same thing that millions of other Australian citizens planned – a day with family on the beach.

At the ceremony yesterday Vasse MLA Troy Buswell was to present the 22 new Australian citizens with a momento of the special occasion.

He applauded their decision and Mr Buswell said he welcomed the new citizens to his electorate, congratulating them on making their home in such a wonderful state and beautiful part of the South West.

Mr Buswell said there were many benefits in such a choice, in particular the warm community spirit which was so important when moving to a new country.

Also at the ceremony, the chair for the Busselton Community Garden, Rachel Kemp, was invited to accept the 2010 Premier’s Australia Day Active Citizenship award, on behalf of the comitttee and its members.

Busselton Shire president Ian Stubbs congratulated the Busselton Community Garden group on its many successes and achievements, noting in particular its commitment to practical and sustainable gardening and the sense of community pride fostered.