Ceremony to welcome 20 new citizens
After Monday's Australia Day citizenship ceremony, 20 residents of the Town of Port Hedland will finally be able to call themselves true blue Aussies.
Seini Saineha Manakofua from Tonga will make the citizenship pledge alongside others hailing from China, Thailand, Ethiopia, Ireland, New Zealand, the Philippines and South Africa.
For Ms Manakofua, being told her citizenship ceremony would happen on Australia Day has made the occasion more special.
To attend Monday's ceremony, Ms Manakofua, who has lived in Port Hedland for six years, has cut short a holiday to the country of her birth.
"I love Australia (and) Port Hedland is my home … the heat reminds me of my home country - other places in Australia are too cold," she said.
"Another reason why I love Australia is because I've met lots and lots of people, and they have made me stronger, a strong woman."
Ms Manakofua also appreciated the fresh and abundant seafood that can be caught off the Pilbara coast - often indulging in her love of fishing.
Working as a teaching assistant, she said she was motivated to become a citizen to fulfil her passion for volunteering and contributing to the lives of others in positive ways.
"I love jobs that service people … but there are some I can't do if I'm not a citizen," she said. "This way I will be able to help others and the country in more ways."
But Tonga will not be far from her heart when she receives her certificate of citizenship from Town of Port Hedland Mayor Kelly Howlett - Ms Manakofua will be wearing traditional Tongan dress.
"I grew up in Tonga and I was taught to respect everyone (by wearing traditional dress). I will be acknowledging that respect and showing respect for all people."
Meanwhile, the citizenship ceremony also marks a special part of Mayor Kelly Howlett's Australia Day celebrations.
"One of my personal favourite parts of Australia Day is welcoming the newest members of our community at the Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony," she said.
"This ceremonious occasion will mark the beginning of a new chapter for 20 people, as they pledge their future to Australia and share with us their culture and traditions in choosing Australia as their new home."
