Subakthi Fernando: (Subakthi is from Sri Lanka. She first arrived in Australia in 2016, and is a doctor.) It’s a great privilege to be part of the community. I’m so happy as we’ve started a new life here and our two daughters were born here. It is just wonderful and we are so blessed.
Suliana Naqau: (Suliana is from Fiji and first arrived in Australia in 2009. She teaches at the Parkes Christian School.) It means a lot. It has been our aim since we first arrived in Australia in 2009. We’ve been looking forward to this day ever since, as we love this country and its people.
Ratri Dey, Atanu Paul with Jeeshnu Paul (22 months): Ratri and Atanu are from Bangladesh and first arrived in Australia in 2016. Atanu is a doctor at Currajong Street Medical Centre.) Today is a day of excitement mixed with joy as this is the final conclusion of our journey that started in 2014. We can now commit to making more of a contribution to the community and making a difference as responsible and accountable citizens.
Emmanuel Cooper holding Chloe and Fortunate: (Emmanuel is from Liberia and works as a civil construction operator.) It’s overwhelming, and a long-awaited event as I’ve been here since 2010. It’s giving me new hope in life, and I can travel around without worrying about visas. I’m so lucky to have so many good people around me.
Theozeus Melosantos, Cristina Espinitu, Mariah Melosantos, Alfonso Melosantos: (Cristina is from the Philippines, and is an administration officer. Her daughter Mariah is a full-time student at TAFE and works as a carer, and her sons Theozeus and Alfonso are at Parkes High School.) It is a privilege with lots of benefits that will lead to better opportunities and a better future. We moved to Parkes in 2019 from Adelaide to be with family, and we love it here.