Citizens celebrate first day as Australians

By Margaret Maccoll

Noosa Shire was culturally enriched on Australia Day when a plethora of foreign-born nationals chose to call Australia home.

Mayor Clare Stewart presided over a citizenship ceremony at The J Theatre to welcome 45 new Australians from 22 different countries.

All had their reasons for becoming Australian citizens but it was family, lifestyle, opportunity and a safe haven that sealed their decision.

After living in Australia for 24 years Kirsten Rune from Denmark decided Australia would become her forever home and she took the step her daughter Karina and granddaughter Maya had previously to become a citizen.

“I just felt I am an Australian,“ she said.

Ismail Hamou Tahra from Morocco met his…