It was an emotional moment when a Parkview Public School Year 6 student became the school's newest Aussie.
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Ali Haider and his family officially became Australians at a citizenship ceremony on Thursday, when 11 Leeton residents received their citizenship certificates.
"Asking a person how important a citizenship is to them is like asking a fish how important water is to them," Ali said.
"Citizenship allows my family to gain rights, gives a chance of equality, and a sense of belonging."
Ali's father came to Australia ten years ago, and he loved the country so much that he decided to bring the rest of his family to enjoy the Aussie lifestyle.
The family moved four times to different jobs and communities, before finally settling down and making a home for themselves in Leeton.
They've been embraced by the Leeton community, and the Haider family have become known as a family of hard-workers.
Ali started school at Parkview Public in Year 3, and since then he's built up a reputation for his sharp wit and dry sense of humour.
He has an extraordinary talent for writing clever speeches, which is what got him elected as the school's Vice-Captain.
His teacher Mrs Blacker said Ali always brought a great deal of fun and laughter to the classroom.
"He's the funniest kid," she said.
"He's got such a great imagination and he adds so much value to the classroom."
She's convinced great things lie in store for Ali, who is one of the school's high achieving students.
He's a clever kid who is remarkably eloquent for somebody so young, and his teachers know he'll use his talents to contribute to Australian society.
Ali is used to Australian culture, having grown up in it for most of his life, but he knows just how much his family appreciates Australia.
The Haider family say they relish the welcoming environment, the relaxed lifestyle, and the friendly people.
"My family is grateful for always being able to participate, having the right to vote, a sense of belonging, and having a chance of equality," Ali said.
"Citizenship means a lot to my family."
He was one of 11 people who started their new lives as Australian citizens at Parkview Public School on Thursday.
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Kenji Sato
Kenji Sato is a handsome journalist at The Daily Advertiser who enjoys writing flattering bios about himself in the third person. He can be contacted by email at kenji.sato@dailyadvertiser.com.au or by mobile on 0448 927 612.
Kenji Sato is a handsome journalist at The Daily Advertiser who enjoys writing flattering bios about himself in the third person. He can be contacted by email at kenji.sato@dailyadvertiser.com.au or by mobile on 0448 927 612.
