Tomorrow will be one of the most defining moments of 38-year old’s Carla Zafiriadis’ life. Before the Lions take on Adelaide at the Gabba, Zafiriadis will finally become an Australian citizen. The Club will be holding their second annual citizenship ceremony in the Queensland Rooms at the Gabba.
“I’m so excited, especially with the way it’s going to happen,” Zafiriadis told lions.com.au.
Originally from Portugal, she has been living in Australia for the past eight years and is extremely passionate about this country. Her husband Alex is already a citizen and her daughter Sofia is a dual citizen.
“I really want to do it. I really want to be an Australian,” she said.
“The values around giving it a go and supporting other people and being inclusive of other communities. I think that’s what makes Australia so beautiful.”
Carla photographed with her daughter Sofia and husband Alex.
Zafiriadis will be one of 50 people from 21 different countries becoming a new Australian citizen on Saturday night.
After their induction, they will be treated to viewing the match between the Lions and Crows. Zafiriadis cannot wait.
“You get your citizenship and at the same time get to be part of something so Australian,” she said.
“It’s beautiful. AFL is such an Australian game, so unique, so it just makes it a bit more special.”
Saturday night’s event will be the second time the Lions host a citizenship ceremony pre-match.
This time last year Han Huynh was one of 51 people who became an Australian citizen. She told lions.com.au it was unlike any other ceremony.
“I’ve been to several citizenship ceremonies at different locations, so I am able to compare, and it was an absolutely wonderful experience to become a citizen at the Gabba last year,” the mother of one said.
“The live AFL game after the Ceremony was a great treat for the whole family in a very Aussie way and everyone attending loved it so much.”
Officially becoming ‘Australian’ has changed Huynh and her young family’s life so much.
Han photographed at the first citizenship ceremony at the Gabba last year.
“It’s been always great living in a place that is ‘beautiful one day, perfect the next’ as what people say about Queensland.
“We have everything here to build our family, from
“Australia is the perfect place to enjoy our quality family life and raise our children as our education and
“As Australians, we have voted once in the election last year and it’s also great when travelling with Australian passports.
“Our businesses have been performing well and becoming citizens has strengthened our commitment to Australia - the country that we are proud to call home.”
