There are few similarities between the bustling streets of London and the unhurried pace of life in the remote Roper Gulf community of Borroloola, but it is a contrast that has been embraced by two of Australia’s newest citizens.
As part of Australia Day festivities in the community, approximately 650 kilometres south-east of Katherine, Roper Gulf Regional Council hosted a citizenship ceremony at which British ex-pats Mark and Lesley Wakeling pledged their commitment to their adopted home.
Mr Wakeling, who is the Council’s Pool Municipal Supervisor in Borroloola and former professional soccer coach, explained that obtaining citizenship had been the final step in a journey that began when the couple first arrived in Australia in 1999.
“For us, becoming citizens was about being in the right place to settle down and get it done, and now’s the time,” he said.
While the tyranny of distance and wet season weather prevented the affable couple’s family from attending the ceremony, Mr Wakeling thanked the Borroloola community for welcoming him and his wife with open arms.
“It was special becoming citizens out here in front of our friends,” he said.
“We don’t have any family here for the day, but they were here in spirit.
“Citizenship kind of means that we belong now; this is our home now.”
Mayor Tony Jack said Australia Day was an opportune time to unite communities, learn from the past and forge a sustainable future for every Australian.
“January 26 means something different to every person who calls this part of the Top End home, but I truly think it is a day that we should take advantage of to strengthen our resolve and open an honest dialogue to create a greater community, both at a local level and as a country,” he said.
“Today will be remembered as an extra-special Australia Day celebration for two well-known members of the Borroloola community after they pledged their allegiance to Australia and became the Roper Gulf region’s newest citizens.
“On behalf of the Council, I’d like to congratulate Mark and Lesley on their decision, which is not one made lightly.”
The celebration continued across the Council’s 186,000 square kilometre Local Government Area when recipients of the 2017 Australia Day Local Government Awards were announced.
Presented to the individuals and events that have provided outstanding contributions to their respective communities during the past 12 months, Mayor Jack said the awards recognised those who had been “prepared to step up because they understand that a community cannot reach its full potential if people sit on the sidelines”.
The winners are:
Barunga
- Young Citizen of the Year: Jeffrey McDonald
- Citizen of the Year: Peter Wordsworth
- Community Event of the Year: Joint Barunga and Manyallauk Community Development Program Katherine Christmas street party parade entry
Beswick
- Young Citizen of the Year: Harrietta Forbes
- Citizen of the Year: Leon George
- Community Event of the Year: Walking with Spirits Festival
Borroloola
- Young Citizen of the Year: Nikita Baker
- Citizen of the Year: Jacky Green
- Community Event of the Year: 130th anniversary celebrating the arrival of the Magistrate and Mounted Police in Borroloola
Bulman
- Young Citizen of the Year: Cordell Scrubby
- Citizen of the Year: Richard Forbes
- Community Event of the Year: NAIDOC Week Festival
Jilkminggan
- Young Citizen of the Year: Shadonia Baker
- Citizen of the Year: Desmond George
- Community Event of the Year: Jilkminggan School football competition
Mataranka
- Citizen of the Year: Judy MacFarlane
- Community Event of the Year: Mataranka Fishing, Sporting and Recreation Club barra competiton
Manyallaluk
- Citizen of the Year: Alison Andrews
- Community Event of the Year: Joint Barunga and Manyallauk Community Development Program Katherine Christmas street party parade entry
Ngukurr
- Young Citizen of the Year: Alexis Roberts
- Citizen of the Year: Kathy Huddleston
- Community Event of the Year: Yugul Mangi Festival
Numbulwar
- Young Citizen of the Year: Declan Murrungun
- Citizen of the Year: Dale Murrungun
- Community Event of the Year: Numburindi Festival
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For further information, or for more photos from Australia Day celebrations across the Roper Gulf region, please contact the Communications Coordinator on 0427 674 212 or at roper.governance@ropergulf.nt.gov.au.