Cindy and Adriaan Deale (Yanchep) with Aiden Rogers (12), Damien Deale (7) and Ethan Deale (5).
Camera IconCindy and Adriaan Deale (Yanchep) with Aiden Rogers (12), Damien Deale (7) and Ethan Deale (5). Credit: Supplied/Martin Kennealey d490264

Yanchep family ready to become citizens at City of Wanneroo Australia Day ceremony

Lucy JarvisNorth Coast Times

WATCHING kangaroos and birdlife in Yanchep National Park over a morning cuppa is one of Cindy Deale’s favourite things about living in Australia.

Originally from South Africa, Mrs Deale, husband Adriaan and their three sons moved to Yanchep in 2016 after living in Karratha for three years.

This Saturday they will join almost 800 people becoming Australian citizens at the country’s biggest Australia Day citizenship ceremony, hosted by the City of Wanneroo.

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Mrs Deale said while migrating to Australia meant leaving relatives in South Africa, they were happy to move.

“The main thing was a future for them; there’s a lot more opportunities for them and us here,” she said.

“We fell in love with Yanchep; the kids were very happy in school.

“We bought a corner block and there’s no one in front of us; it’s just little hills and bush.

“In the morning I drink my coffee and I see the kangaroos; it’s beautiful.”

Mrs Deale said friends who also became citizens at an Australia Day ceremony a decade ago would join them for the barbecue at Wanneroo Showground on January 26.

Almost 3000 people are expected to attend the Wanneroo event, including 785 people from 63 countries making the pledge as new citizens.

READ MORE: Landsdale family looks forward to being part of biggest Australia Day ceremony

Mayor Tracey Roberts said she was proud the City was again hosting the largest ceremony, especially in a milestone year.

“This year marks the 70th anniversary since Australian citizenship was introduced into law, creating for the first time a legal status of being uniquely Australian,” she said.

“The City of Wanneroo is such a culturally diverse place, with 41 per cent of our 210,000 residents born overseas.

“I know how much this means to those who are becoming Australian citizens and it always seems to be even more special on Australia Day.”

New citizens and their guests will start the day with a barbecue breakfast, before being entertained with music by Challenge Brass Band and singer Bindhu.

The mayor will present awards to community members who have made an outstanding contribution and Richard Walley will perform the Welcome to Country. Adrian Barich will be MC and Rishelle Hume, 2016 Aboriginal Person of the Year, will be guest speaker.