New citizens welcomed

MOREthan 150 new Australians were welcomed to their new country on Monday.
People from as far as Afghanistan, Sudan and Bosnia took their oaths at Dandenong’s Drum Theatre on the nation’s special day.
Mayor Pinar Yesil congratulated the new Australians on choosing to become citizens.
“This is the 60th anniversary of Australian Citizenship,” she said.
“2009 is a year that we can reflect on the changes of our harmonious nation.
“You have chosen a great place to live.”
She highlighted the multi-cultural spread of the City of Greater Dandenong, which she described as a wonderful place for new Australians. “We have 56% of residents born overseas,” Cr Yesil said. “And we are proud to be a multi-cultural city.” Following the ceremony Mohammad Abbasi and his wife Homeira, originally from Afghanistan, said they were excited to become Australian citizens. “We have lived in Dandenong for two years,” he said.
“We are very happy.”