EIGHT Horsham residents were confirmed as Australian citizens in a ceremony at Horsham Civic Centre on Monday night.
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Reza Farzan, Tara Farzan, Leila Mahmoudi, Oluwafemi Ogunoye, Priscilla Ogunoye, Oluwafemi Ogunoye, Oluwatosin Ogunoye and Rhu Tha Thaw Pay took an oath to become citizens in a ceremony led by Mayor David Grimble.
Dr Mahmoudi and Dr Reza Farzan moved to Horsham from Iran with their daughter Tara five years ago.
“We first moved to Australia because my husband got a fellowship working in MRI in Melbourne,” Dr Mahmoudi said.
“We were first planning to stay for seven months but we liked it here.”
They moved to Horsham when Dr Farzan got a job with the Wimmera Health Care Group.
Dr Mahmoudi said the family had been counting down the days until they could become Australian citizens.
“It was an honour. As soon as we met the criteria, we applied to be citizens,” she said.
“People in Australia are really appreciated and they don’t treat you based on your status or background or what country you are from.
“That was really interesting for us and we didn’t expect it at first.
“Everyone is really friendly.”
Cr Grimble said it was a privilege to perform the ceremonies.
“It is especially fitting seeing that Wednesday is Australian Citizenship Day,” he said.
Council will celebrate Australian Citizenship Day with a morning tea.