Citizenship Ceremony

On the 30th of April three of the Suixi girls Camille, Mei and Eliza participated in an Australian Citizenship Ceremony at Melbourne Town Hall. Throughout the day I had a great sense of excitement and anticipation as I knew it would be a very special occasion.

The downstairs room of the Town Hall was intimate and the perfect setting. Little Camille in her red Chinese shoes, frou-frou hair tie and white dress looked simply divine and seemed to realize what a special occasion it was. However this did not stop her from wriggling throughout the entire ceremony.

Mayor John So, himself Australian Chinese, officiated. Although too young to take the oath, the Mums and Dads did so on their behalf. The Australian Girls Choir sang Waltzing Matilda and Advance Australia Fair. Looking at the diverse group who were all becoming Australian citizens was very moving. From all parts of the world they had come and made Australia their home.

Our little girls went up together at the end of the ceremony to obtain their certificates and received a big round of applause from the audience. They too must have realised just how special our girls’ journey has been.

Afterwards we all gathered for a boisterous dinner in Chinatown to celebrate. Congratulations to all our Australian-Chinese Suixi girls, the source of so much joy to all of us.