Busselton welcomes its new Australians

City of Busselton deputy mayor Grant Henley said the ceremony had seen a fantastic turnout, while 33 people from 10 different countries became Australian citizens.

Mr Henley said Australia Day was a special occasion for the country and one of his favourite duties in local government was seeing people granted citizenship.

“To have people join us in that citizenship ceremony is great because you can see the delight in becoming a part of our great cultural family,” he said.

Busselton Rotary Club president Trevor Fisher said becoming an Aust - ralian citizen on Aust ralia Day was becoming more popular each year.

Mr Fisher said the Rotary Club had catered for about 1000 people during the day and said Australia Day was all about unwinding and enjoying what Australia had to offer.

Ian Downie moved to Esperance from South Africa in 2001 after accepting a job offer from chief executive officer Mike Archer, who was based in Esperance at the time.

His parents later moved from South Africa to Busselton in 2010, and Australia Day 2015 saw his father Denis become an Australian citizen. “It’s the best move we have ever done,” Mr Downie said.

“It was special to get Dad’s citizenship and he has taken it all in stride and is loving it.

“We live in a fantastic spot.”

James and Sophia Irwin moved to Australia from South Africa four years ago because their daughters had moved here.

Mr Irwin said it was a “truly special moment” for he and his wife to become Australian citizens on Australia Day. “We’re very proud to be Australians and we’re really enjoying it,” he said.

Vasse MLA Libby Mettam said the attribute setting Australia apart from other countries was its optimism.

“In many ways I think Busselton and the surrounding district personifies the very best of what it means to be Australia,” she said.

“While no society can ever claim to be perfect, Australian society is built on the notion that everyone deserves a fair go.”