Citizens welcomed

Busselton welcomed 26 new Australians at the Australia Day citizenship ceremony at the foreshore yesterday.

The Australia Day event, organised by the City of Busselton and the Rotary Club of Busselton-Geographe Bay, began with a march from Victoria Square to the foreshore, where residents gathered to welcome new citizens and enjoy an Aussie breakfast.

Jonathan Leach and his family were just some of the new citizens sworn in yesterday.

Mr Leach has called Busselton home since his arrival in Australia and said he and his family were happy to gain citizenship finally.

“It’s been a long time coming,” he said.

Kerry Bayley was crowned the community citizen of the year for her long history of volunteer work including her work with the St Vincent de Paul Society, active involvement in the women’s refuge, and her role as co-ordinator at Cliff’s Kitchen,which provides 200 meals a week for those in need in the community.

Ms Bayley said she was “absolutely shocked and stoked” to receive the award.

“I don’t do it for recognition, I just do it because I want to and I’m really happy with the path I have chosen in life,” she said.