Australian Citizenship Day 17th September
What it means to be Australian
Meet two people who have become Australian citizens
Have you ever thought about what being Australian means to you? Here’s what two new citizens have to say about being Australian:
Australian Idol calls Australia home
Damien Leith, who was born in Ireland, won the hearts of Australian television viewers and was voted winner of ‘Australian Idol 2006’.
As part of Australia Day 2007 celebrations in Canberra, Damien performed his hit single ‘Night of my Life’ for a crowd of 35,000 people at Parliament House and a television audience of more than one million – but they were in for one more special treat, when Damien became an Australian citizen.
“I’m extremely proud and, to be honest, also extremely humbled. It’s a bit overwhelming to come here from Ireland and to be taken in so kindly by Australia,” Damien said.
“I am absolutely honoured and privileged to become an Australian citizen today.”
Basketball hero now an Australian
Wayne Friedman was born in South Africa and moved to Australia with his family in 1996.
When Wayne started school in Australia he made his first friend because one of the students he met said to him, “You can be my friend if you will barrack for Essendon”. Wayne agreed and to date he still follows Essendon. He was excited to meet some Essendon greats when his family’s recent citizenship ceremony was held at the Essendon Football Club’s Hall of Fame.
Wayne is a very talented basketball player and was recently invited to represent Australia in a tournament in the United States of America. What an achievement! We hope to hear many success stories about Wayne’s basketball career in the future.