Australia Day citizenship ceremony

A fine summer’s morning in Rankin Gardens provided the perfect backdrop for perhaps the most Australian thing one could do on 26 January — become an Australian citizen.

60 new citizens from 29 countries around the world were sworn in at a ceremony on Tuesday morning, becoming the City of Subiaco’s newest Australian citizens.

City of Subiaco CEO Cliff Frewing began proceedings by introducing Nyungar Elder Neville Collard to perform a Welcome to Country, the ancient ritual inviting all to come together with traditional owners, past, present and future in this special place on Whadjuk land.

Attention was then turned to the skies as a Pilatus PC-21 aircraft from Number 2 Flying Training School at RAAF Base Pearce performed a precisely-timed flyover at 8.15am, enthralling old and young with an impressive display of power and speed as it traversed the blue expanse above. 

City of Subiaco Mayor Penny Taylor delivered a warm official welcome to those eagerly awaiting the commencement of ceremonies. The presence of dignitaries added to the gravity of the day with Martin Pritchard, Labor Member for North Metropolitan Region and Liberal Member for North Metropolitan Region, Tjorn Sibma, were in attendance along with Honorary Freeman of the City, Heather Henderson and a representative from Federal Minister for Curtin, Celia Hammond.

With warmth and humour guest speaker Professor Yogesan (Yogi) Kanagasingam took the podium, relating his personal experiences in choosing a new place to call home and reflecting on the incredible value of freedom his choice of Perth, Western Australia, continues to deliver. Professor Yogi's personal story of becoming an Australian citizen and his endorsement of the continued rewards offered by life in this beautiful place moved the crowd forward with a quiet excitement into the offical proceedings for the day.

The formal swearing in of citizens commenced, and the smiles from each new citizen receiving their certification from Mayor Taylor brought home the significance of this moment for every Australian citizen present, young and old.

Concluding the formalities, Mayor Taylor spoke of the value these new citizens bring to our community.

“Congratulations to our newest Australians citizens. It’s wonderful you have chosen to make your homes in our beautiful leafy City,” she said.

As the national anthem swelled across the historic Gardens, 60 new inductees raised their voices to a modern rendition of Advance Australia Fair led by 13 year old Josephine Ellis, joining in song for the first time as Australian citizens.