Brunswick Remedial Massage: Melbourne’s Australia Day parade a multicultural affair

“We got here to see the parade a couple of years in the past and simply liked seeing all of the totally different cultures represented right here,” stated the daddy of three, initially from Indonesia.

“We love celebrating Australia Day. I’ve lived in lots of nations. However right here in Australia, I don’t really feel like a foreigner. I really feel at house,” he stated.

Members of the public line the route of Melbourne's Australia Day parade. — Members of the general public line the route of Melbourne’s Australia Day parade.Credit score:AAP

Greater than 100 new Australians, supported by their households and pals, gathered on the Melbourne City Corridor on Saturday morning for a particular Australia Day citizenship ceremony.

Metropolis of Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp formally welcomed the brand new residents from greater than 30 nations.

Amongst them was Chamila Vidyaratne, who has lived in Melbourne for the previous 29 years.

“I’ve raised two youngsters right here. They’re Australian residents, my husband is now an Australian citizen, so it’s my flip now,” she stated.

“Australia is my house and right this moment could be very particular for me,” she stated.

Naga Pandri and his son Srithan (centre) with lord mayor Sally Capp during the citizenship ceremony at Melbourne Town Hall on Saturday. — Naga Pandri and his son Srithan (centre) with lord mayor Sally Capp in the course of the citizenship ceremony at Melbourne City Corridor on Saturday.Credit score:Chris Hopkins

Mauritian-born Antish Naek, 35, stated he felt “very emotional” in the course of the ceremony as he mirrored on his journey to Australia.“I left Mauritius once I was 18 and moved to the UK. However I didn’t need to be there.”

He had dreamt of turning into an Australian citizen from the second he visited his brother and new child nephew in Melbourne 10 years in the past, he stated.

“I’ve been right here for 5 years now and now I’ve the understanding that I can keep right here perpetually and that makes me very emotional,” Mr Naek stated.

“Melbourne has a lot power and a lot alternative. I really feel very fortunate to name this metropolis house.”