Esperance community welcomes six new Australian citizens

Esperance residents welcomed six new Australian citizens during an Australia Day ceremony at Adventureland Park on Thursday.

Diego, 2, and Renato and Carla Travessini, Jhesiel Furniss, Mariia Johnson and Paul Kerr were handed their Australian citizenship certificates by Shire of Esperance president Ian Mickel to the applause from onlookers.

The new Australians were invited to recite the Australian Citizenship Pledge to publicly declare the privileges and responsibilities of calling Australia home.

Cr Mickel said citizenship ceremonies formed an important part of Australia Day celebrations across the country.

He said all citizens had a united identity as Australians and shared the role of participating in democratic processes and becoming valued members of their community.

“Taking on Australian citizenship provides responsibilities and privileges such as voting and elections and referendums,” he said.

“Active citizenship is about getting involved in our local community and displaying values such as respect, inclusion and helping others.”

Cr Mickel said he recognised the anniversary could be “a day of mourning and survival” for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

He said the Shire would examine the most inclusive way to celebrate Australia Day in future following changes to Federal regulations.

“Despite all that has happened since colonisation, it is important that these views are respected and together we have constructive conversations about this history and seek ways to move forward together,” he said.