Also taking the citizenship pledge, Kimteng Hak attended with niece Abby Vu Nguyen.
The 32-year-old Panania woman was among 236 migrants taking the pledge on the day and was thrilled to join electrical engineer husband Eddy Tobaji, 34, who became a citizen in April.
They attended with their four-and-a-half-month-old son Aiden, who was born here, and feel like they now really belong after spending several years in Dubai before settling here a couple of years ago.
“There was a lot of luxury in Dubai but no equality and opportunity for permanent settlement,” said Nurgul who works in finance.
“Some of my husband’s family live here and when we came to visit, really liked Australia and Canterbury Bankstown.
“We’re very happy to raise our family in such as great democracy where everyone is accepted and valued.
“Even though it’s a long way from my family in Kazakhstan and the rest of my husband’s family in Lebanon, it has everything else.”
Likewise Condell Park’s Kimteng Hak who works as a project manager, visited here from Cambodia and fell in love with the country and local suburbs.
Attending the citizenship ceremony with his four-year-old niece, Abby Vu Nguyen, who wore yellow because it was RUOK? Day, said Australia was the land of opportunity.
“I love the equality here and the freedom to enjoy your life,” he said.
“There is no better place to live.”
