A special citizenship ceremony will be conducted before a cricket match at the Western Australian Cricket Association (WACA) ground in Perth for the first time tomorrow
A total of 52 new citizens from 9 different countries, including the UK, will have a unique opportunity to receive their citizenship certificates just prior to the start of the KFC Big Bash league match between the Perth Scorchers and Brisbane Heat.
The ceremony will be an extra special treat for one new citizen; eight-year-old Alex Johnston, originally from the UK, who will be presented with his citizenship certificate along with his mother, father and two older sisters.
Alex’s father, Stuart, who is a gas industry executive, said: “Alex is a cricket tragic who has been a Scorchers ticket holder for the past three years and has met the Scorchers team.
“In the end it was easy to take this step for us to decide to become citizens because Australia is simply the best place in the world to live.”
Michaelia Cash, Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, is looking forward to the occasion.
“This will be a truly memorable venue for our newest citizens to take their oath of allegiance to Australia – on the Furnace in front of a passionate and patriotic Perth crowd,” said Minister Cash.
“Attaining citizenship is the final important step for those who have migrated to our great country, as they make a solemn commitment to uphold the values, privileges and responsibilities of being Australian.
“Citizenship events present a great opportunity for the whole community to pledge their allegiance to our great democracy and celebrate living together in peace and harmony,” she added.
In order to be eligible to apply for citizenship an applicant must have had four years lawful residence in Australia. This period must include 12 months as a permanent resident immediately before making an application for Australian citizenship. They must have had no more than 12 months absence from Australia in total in the four years prior to application, including not more than 90 days in the 12 months immediately prior to application.
Article published 7th January 2014