“We are happy here” were among the first words from Hendrik and Hester Gouws when they became Australian citizens on Friday.
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On Australia Day, the couple, their two young daughters Ansune and Theane, as well as six other people were named as Australian citizens.
The new citizens came from six different nations, including Ireland, South Africa and India.
Mr and Mrs Gouws said they made the decision to move across the world with their two daughters six years ago.
The family moved from South Africa to Dubbo.
“It was the best decision we ever made,” Mr Gouws said.
The family said it was a pretty good feeling to be Australian citizens.
“Well, I think I can now say that this is our new adopted country,” Mr Gouws said.
“It’s just fair on the country and ourselves that we became citizens and now become a part of Australia.”
Mrs Gouws said she felt very relieved and good about the decision for her family.
“We are so honoured to be a part of this great country, to be citizens,” Mrs Gouws said.
The couple said Dubbo had been good to them for the past six years. It was a great city and they were happy to be living here, the new Aussies said.
They also said one thing they love about Dubbo is the heat.
Their daughters attend school in Dubbo at the Christian School and the South Public School.
The family said they hoped to stay in Dubbo for a very long time and were pleased with how welcoming everyone was.
The ceremony was held during the Australia Day event in Victoria Park.
With the helpful dictation from Dubbo Regional Mayor Ben Shields, the residents publicly recited an oath or affirmation.
They affirmed their loyalty, commitment and respect for Australia as their new country and its people.
Cr Shields said it was even more special for the residents to become citizens on Australia Day.
As a welcome to their new homeland, the citizens were given information packs, as well as bunches of flowers and Vegemite.
