General News
9 July, 2023
'Nothing better' than settling in Australia
A family of three from India are among the latest Horsham residents to officially become Australian citizens. Aafiya Ashfaq, who moved to Horsham with her husband Mohammad Hussain and their son Zayyan Hussain just over a year ago, said "it feels...
A family of three from India are among the latest Horsham residents to officially become Australian citizens.
Aafiya Ashfaq, who moved to Horsham with her husband Mohammad Hussain and their son Zayyan Hussain just over a year ago, said "it feels great" to have received their Australian citizenships.
"We have been looking forward to becoming Australian citizens for a while," Ms Ashfaq said.
"It's a surreal experience."
Ms Ashfaq and her family left India to settle in Adelaide six years ago before moving to Horsham for business opportunities.
"My husband has always loved Australia," Ms Ashfaq said.
"He was the first one to move here.
"My family is actually based in Canada and there were a lot of times we tried to convince him to move to Canada but he said, 'No, I love Australia'.
"When I moved here, I absolutely loved it and I said, 'Nah, there is nothing better than this'."
Eleven individuals from the United Kingdom, the Philippines and India received their citizenship in a ceremony conducted by Horsham Rural City Council mayor Robyn Gulline.
"It really is an honour to be part of such a significant day for these residents," Cr Gulline said.
"It's an opportunity for us to give a warm welcome to our newst citizens and acknowledge the importance of what it means to become a member of the Australian community.
"Citizenship is the common bond uniting all Australians, whether you are an Australian by birth or by choice.
"Congratulations to those becoming Australian citizens on making their commitment to Australia."
The ceremony was held at the council reception room and was attended by family, friends and Horsham Rural City Council councillors.