Tara Murray
Brimbank mayor Ranka Rasic says she feels honoured to preside over the council’s Australia Day citizenship ceremony.
While normal Australia Day celebrations are on hold this year due to COVID-19, 60 people from 22 different countries including Vietnam, Malta, China and New Zealand, will become Australian citizens in Brimbank today.
The council will also announce the Brimbank Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year at the ceremony.
Cr Rasic, who came to Australia in the 1990s with her family from Serbia, said she understands how many of these people feel.
“I didn’t speak the English language,” she said.
“We came from a war-torn country. I can’t remember if we did [become citizens] on Australia Day, I was very young… It was a tough time, but it was a good opportunity to come to a good country.
“It has given me amazing opportunities that I’ve taken along the way and I think it’s a country of opportunities.”
She said Brimbank and Australia are special places where there are ample opportunity for people to set up successful lives.
Cr Rasic, who is in her first term on council, owns Xena for Hair & Beauty in Taylors Lakes.
“Australia is a country that welcomes many different cultures and many different migrants from different countries, it’s just a great country to live in.
“I’m very happy to be an Australian and live here. Twenty years ago I came here, I started my business, learned the language and made some great friends.”
Cr Rasic said while Australia Day will be different this year, it would still be a special occasion for the new citizens.
“Brimbank is a melting pot of different nationalities and cultures, which makes us so different,” she said.
“It’s a great honour to do this. I’m so pleased that I’m the one representing the council and doing this. They can see that even coming from a war-torn country, any type of country, that you can start a new life and do well for yourself.”
