Becoming Aussies

We were lucky enough to be invited to a Citizenship Ceremony. There are now two new Aussies in Halls Gap. The ceremony was quite interesting and although a few friends hinted that we should step up there too, we just observed this time. Congratulations Daniel and Franz.




Here is the Australian "Pledge of Commitment":

From this time forward, under God,
I pledge my loyalty to Australia and its people,
whose democratic beliefs I share,
whose rights and liberties I respect, and
whose laws I will uphold and obey.

All new citizens have the choice of making the pledge with or without the words 'under God'.

The ceremony was held at the end of the school day and the students participated with singing and a few speeches. Earlier this year the senior students went through the steps of becoming an Australian citizen with Daniel and Franz as part of their curriculum, so it seemed fitting to have the ceremony at the school and have the students participate.

After the official ceremony, a number of us hung out and partook in a number of Australian pastimes such as cricket and a sausage sizzle. Fun was had by all.