Eleven new Aussies welcomed in Geraldton during Australia Day citizenship ceremony

A ceremony welcoming the newest Australian citizens at the QEII Centre was held in Geraldton on Friday morning, celebrating Australia as a diverse melting pot of culture and inclusivity.

Eleven new citizens were welcomed in the ceremony, put on by the City of Greater Geraldton which included the essential Australian morning tea — lamingtons and Arnott’s Assorted.

Individuals and families were celebrated, marking a huge milestone in their migration from all corners of the globe.

Young mother Nonilene Carson moved with her two young daughters to Australia six years ago, settling in South Gippsland, Victoria after moving from the Philippines.

“We moved to Geraldton a year ago, for the weather and my husband is working here now. It’s a beautiful city with beautiful weather,” she said.

Mrs Carsons’s 14-year-old Cloe said her favourite thing about their new home was the people. “They’re all very friendly and welcoming,” she said.

“The people and the culture are great, there is no discrimination. I fell in love with Australia from the very start,” Mrs Carson added.

The girls have seamlessly adopted essential parts of Aussie culture, enjoying vegemite and cheese on toast.

“We didn’t like it ast first but with cheese we like it,” Mrs Carson said.

Mrs Carson had her husband Shaun in the crowd cheering on his family as they accepted their certificates of citizenship, accompanied by their 10-week-old daughter Yumi.

The family hopes to see Australia in the coming years, with Cleo and Cloe keen to see some crocodiles in the top end, while Mrs Carson is hoping to see the Sydney Opera House.

The celebrations finished with the Active Citizenship awards which acknowledges the meaningful contributions Geraldton residents make to the community.