Eight new Aussies inducted at Young Australia Day ceremony

Five former Iraqi citizens, a man and woman from Lebanon and a British man were fully inducted by Hilltops mayor Brian Ingram. 

Mr Ingram highlighted that it was the 70^th year since Australian citizenship was introduced to law. 

READ ALSO: OAM for Reverend Neil Percival 

“It’s a special occasion and a special day for these eight people,” Mayor Brian Ingram said.

“For 70 years citizens have been working together to create a strong, united and prosperous  Australia.”

Young’s Australia Day ambassador Paralympic gold medallist Lindy Hou also congratulated the eight new Aussies.

She spoke about her journey, arriving with her family to Australia from Hong Kong in 1974 and struggling to learn the English language.

She gave some humorous examples of words and phrases she stills struggles to understand.

“I learned terminology like silly mid-on, short leg, gully. I still try to figure what positions they are. I do follow cricket a bit, but don’t ask me to tell you where short leg stands,” Lindy said.

“Don’t be despaired if you have trouble understanding some of the language.

“There’s not too many countries in the world where you call someone with red hair ‘Blue’ and not many countries in the world does your best friend call you a bastard. It’s a term of endearment.”

READ ALSO: Twins begin at Young North Public School

Lindy said singing the national anthem at Carrington Park gave her goosebumps, as she recalled winning gold at Athens in 2004.

“I’m really proud to be an Aussie. It’s a place where everyone is given an opportunity. We have great community spirit. We’re all there for each other, it’s the mateship that makes Australia great.”

Young’s newest Australian citizens: