It was a special day for Mr Alexan Matti and his wife Mrs Labeebah Shakarchi when they pledged their loyalty to Australia and its people and so became Parkes’ newest Aussies.
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The brief but important ceremony was conducted at the most recent Council meeting by Mayor Ken Keith assisted by General Manager Kent Boyd.
Present in the gallery were many of Alexan and Labeebah’s family members.
The couple arrived in Australia from Iraq in December 2010.
They have four daughters and have resided for almost five years in Parkes - arriving here in July 2011.
Alexan is a retired Agricultural Engineer who now enjoys spending his time beekeeping and gardening, while Labeebah is a retired teacher and enjoys reading and cooking.
Mayor Ken Keith welcomed the couple and their families on behalf of all councillors and staff.
“The ceremony is being conducted as prescribed in the Australian Citizenship Act 2007 and the Australian Citizenship regulations 2007 under the Authority of the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship,” Cr Keith said.
He congratulated both candidates on making the decision to become Australian citizens.
“It is a decision not only welcomed by me, but by all Australians,” Cr Keith said.
As new Australians, Alexan and Labeebah were presented a bible each, a Parkes Shire Council pen in a presentation box, Australian Citizenship coin, and a Parkes booklet.
