IT was a dream come true for Chelsea Atkins and Valentine Wangui this week when they officially became Australian citizens at a special ceremony at the Mount Gambier City Council chambers.
Having both lived in the country for at least five years, forming a new life and becoming part of the community, Ms Atkins said she was thrilled to finally “seal the deal”.
“I’ve heard Australia is called the lucky country and that is how I feel, lucky, I love the country and the people especially,” she said.
Following in her family’s footsteps and moving from America with her partner, Ms Atkins said it would be great to be able to participate in the government process and vote.
“We can now have an impact on the things that impact us, which is really great,” she said.
Moving from Kenya to Australia to study around seven years ago, Ms Wangui said she was glad the journey to gain citizenship was complete.
“It has been a dream of mine for a long time, I am blessed to now be a citizen, Australia is a great country,” she said.
“I’ve been able to study and work here and now I will be able to be a part of the society as well – it is an honour and a privilege.”
Handing over the official document to the two on the night, Mayor Andrew Lee congratulated both Ms Atkins and Ms Wangui for making the decision to become an Australian citizen.
“It is a decision not only welcomed by me, but all Australians,” he said.
Also making an appearance at the ceremony, Member for Baker Tony Pasin said they had made a “stellar” decision in joining the best club in the world.
“Australian citizenship confers on you great privileges, but it also comes with great responsibilities,” he said on the night.
“There is no class of Australian citizenship, once you take Australian citizenship you are as Australian as Don Bradman or Dawn Fraser, so congratulations.”
