Joash (left), Edwin, Janet (second right) and Jessa Cedamon of Evanston with Gawler mayor Karen Redman. PHOTO: Grady Hudd
THIRTY new Australians were officially welcomed into the community after receiving their citizenships at a packed ceremony held at the Gawler Civic Centre last Wednesday.
Accompanied by family and friends in the James Martin Room, the recipients recited their oaths before being officially inducted by Gawler mayor Karen Redman, much to the delight of those present.
While some had arrived in Australia in more recent times, others, like Waterloo Corner resident Ian McDonnell, have resided Down Under for years, even decades.
Mr McDonnell grew up in Liverpool in the United Kingdom on the same street as famed Beatles guitarist George Harrison, he said, but admitted music wasn’t something he’d considered pursuing as a youngster.
“He (Harrison) was going to beat me up once,” he joked.
“The only singer in our house was the sewing machine.”
Mr McDonnell immigrated to Australia when he was 12-years-old, in 1960, but never really considered becoming a citizen until recently.
“At that stage, we just assumed we were Australian,” he said.
“Because it was before 1974 when they changed the laws, we could vote, we could do everything, so it wasn’t really a lot different.
“A few people were starting to needle me, saying ‘you really should do it’, but it seemed liked a bit of a hurdle.”
Having been involved in the Gawler community for “around 50 years” – helping found the Gawler History Team, and teaching computing courses locally for more than two decades – Mr McDonnell said becoming a fullfledged Aussie would take a while to sink in.
“It’ll hit me, I guess,” he said.
“I’ll get home and I’ll say to the missus ‘I’m Australian now!’.”
For Ms Redman, who conducted the citizenship ceremony, being able to officially welcome new Australians is always an honour.
“You are about to undertake a new commitment, a new responsibility,” she told the recipients during the proceedings.
“You are about to take on a new status here in Australia, and wherever you may travel in the world.
“It’s always a big step, a big decision, and I’m really privileged to be here with you as you take that beautiful step.
“It’s a wonderful thing.”
