Proud to call Australia home

More than three hundred local residents will celebrate an important milestone in their lives this Australia Day when they become our newest Australian citizens.

The group will take part in the Council’s citizenship ceremony at The Events Centre, Caloundra on Monday, January 26 at 9.30am.

One recipient who is looking forward to the becoming an Australian citizen is Desiree Duthie, originally from The Netherlands and now residing in Mount Coolum.

Desiree Duthie said she arrived in Cairns in January 2007 as an Au-pair and worked for an Australian/American family for six months.

“They made me feel at home straight away and showed me the ‘Australian way of life’,” she said.

“I was extremely lucky as they took me on lots of family vacations to Sydney, Cape Tribulation, Port Douglas, Hinterland Cairns to name a few.

“Since then, I have been travelling to and from between The Netherlands and Australia as I do miss my family and friends.

“I have travelled to most of the beautiful Australian icons and beyond.

“I know there is still so much more to see and explore but living and working in Australia is like a holiday every day.”

Desiree’s life changed when she met her Scottish husband Jason in 2009.

“Jason became an Australian citizen in 2009 and I am now looking forward to joining him,” she said.

“Over the Australia Day long weekend we will move into our new house which we are building in Coolum Beach.  It will be such a great feeling to have our own bit of Australia.

“Even though I will always be proud to be Dutch, I am really grateful Australia has accepted me as one of their own.”

Live streaming of the Australia Day ceremony will take place allowing family members and friends to share this special day from anywhere in the world. Australian citizenship ceremonies on the Sunshine Coast are held every month in various locations across the region. Visit council’s website for further information on Australian Citizenship Ceremonies.