Swinging into citizenship
Included in the more than 3000 people who became citizens in ceremonies across Queensland on Australia Day 2008 were the Abishev family – circus performers who originally arrived in Australia from Kazakhstan in 1996.
Husband Serik, wife Galiya and their adult children, Aliya and Arystav, work with the Great Siberian Circus, performing a range of acts including aerial acrobatics, balancing acts, juggling, clowning and tumbling.
‘My father loved Australia as soon as he came here. He loved the people and the weather – everything really,’ Aliya said.
‘My brother has grown up in Australia. He has been here since he was nine-years-old.
‘We decided it was the right time to become citizens as we can bring something to this country.
‘It is important to me to say proudly I am Australian. I realise people who live in this country are so lucky – it is the best country in the world,’ Aliya added.
The Abishev family have performed at a number of venues around Australia including Dreamworld and the Woodford Folk Festival in Queensland.
The Abishev family became citizens at the Brisbane City Council ceremony on 26 January 2008.