General News
26 November, 2023
Yarriambiack welcomes two new Aussies
It's said that good things come to those who wait and that's certainly been the case for Murtoa's Delia Czora, who has become an Australian citizen after 62 years in the land down under. Ms Czora and Deborah Jobson, who has made her home with her...
It's said that good things come to those who wait and that's certainly been the case for Murtoa's Delia Czora, who has become an Australian citizen after 62 years in the land down under.
Ms Czora and Deborah Jobson, who has made her home with her husband at Woomelang, were accepted as citizens at Yarriambiack Shire's latest ceremony for citizenship.
In the ceremony presided over by Yarriambiack mayor Kylie Zanker, Ms Czora and Ms Jobson made their pledges to the country and received in return certificates of citizenship and a gift of native plants.
The pair are both originally from the United Kingdom.
Ms Czora came to Australia in 1961, following her parents after doctors recommended the move for the health of Ms Czora's older sister.
"The doctors suggested we come to Australia to give her a better life from the cold and everything so my parents packed up and we moved to Australia," Ms Czora said.
"We ended up in a hostel in South Australia and my father had to hitch-hike to work in weapons research in what was then a heatwave so he thought everyone was ill because they had blisters and sunburn."
Eventually Ms Czora and her family moved to Melbourne where she attended school, finishing her education at Glen Waverley Secondary.
After receiving news that her father was terminally ill, Ms Czora and her family hit the road again, making memories of their time travelling Australia.
"I met my husband, Reiner, in South Australia and we were married in 1976," Ms Czora said.
"We kept on travelling before settling in Darwin for four years, where I worked as a receptionist in a medical and veterinary supplier and he ran a paint shop.
"Leaving Darwin, we travelled to central Australia before it was bitumised.
"I found out I was expecting, which was a miracle as I'd been told I couldn't have children.
"Sherisse was born in South Australia and we lived there for some time before we moved back to Victoria."
Ms Czora's parents were travelling at that time and, having found the Wimmera, said what a lovely area it would be to settle.
Ms Czora said after exploring the region they decided Murtoa would be a great place to raise a child, with fabulous schools and friendly people.
Mr Czora opened a panel beating business, which he operated until closing his doors due to illness, and the family built a life in the region, enjoying the atmosphere and being made welcome.
Although Ms Czora has felt like an Australian for some time now, she said she originally wasn't going to become a citizen before having a change of heart.
"For some reason, I thought to myself, 'This is crazy - why haven't I?" she said.
"My husband, who was born in Germany, is Australian, my daughter is Australian and I don't plan on going overseas anymore.
"I'm an Aussie, I have been here for so long, I consider myself an Aussie so I thought I would make it official."
Although she already considered herself Australian, she said she wasn’t prepared for the emotion she felt when it happened officially.
"I actually had tears in my eyes," Ms Czora said.
"I just felt like hugging Kylie when she gave me my certificate," Ms Czora said.
"I felt completely different.
"It's weird but a relief in a way."
Ms Czora said her family was also excited that she's now an Australian citizen.
"My son-in-law said 'Well, now you can pick on the Poms because you're an Aussie'," she laughed.
As an official Australian, Ms Czora said she planned to enjoy life and retirement with her husband and a network of friends all over the Wimmera.
"I've got friends now in Dimboola, Jeparit and Rainbow - you name it.
"I have friends who are like family all over the place."