MULTICULTURALISM was on show in Armadale as more than 120 locals representing 22 nationalities officially became Australian citizens on Friday.
Armadale mayor Henry Zelones said it was a wonderful feeling to officiate the Australia Day citizenship ceremony and welcome Australia’s newest citizens.
“Australia Day is always a great day to come together as a nation and celebrate what we love about this country, so what better day to become an Australian citizen,” he said.
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READ NOW“It was wonderful to see so many people from all around the globe coming together to take the oath.”
The Armadale citizenship ceremony was the third biggest in the state after Joondalup and Wanneroo.
Five local residents and groups were also celebrated for their dedication to the community with a special ceremony.
Gavin Tuatahi Grace was named Armadale’s Citizen of the Year for his work promoting personal resilience through art via programs Art vs Depression and the Resilient Friends Club.
Heidi Blackman won the Youth Citizen of the Year award for encouraging teenage girls to get back into sport via netball, coaching four teams and volunteering to train junior umpires at the Kalamunda and Districts Netball Association.
The Senior Citizen of the Year award went to joint winners Bob Tizard and June Copley.
Mr Tizard has worked tirelessly to represent his community, serving two terms as a councillor and as the secretary of the Bedfordale Residents Association as well as volunteering with local environment groups.
Ms Copley has worked to improve the health and wellness of seniors in the area by coordinating the pole walking fitness groups in Roleystone and Armadale as well as the Wednesday Warriors, which aims to make entry roads into Roleystone litter free.
The Sri Lankan Cultural Society won the Active Citizenship Group category for more than 30 years of supporting new migrant families to the area and delivering youth education programs in English and literacy.
Mr Zelones said the City of Armadale’s Australia Day event was a big success, with upward of 30,000 people attending the action across Minnawarra and Memorial parks.
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