Six members of the one family, with an international rugby background, were among 140 new citizens welcomed to Sutherland Shire on Australia Day. or signup to continue reading The new citizens add to the shire's rich mix of cultures, coming from countries including Japan, India, Britain, New Zealand, Brazil, South Africa, Myanmar (Burma), Ukrraine, Russian Federation, Philippines, Netherlands and Poland. Former rugby union and rugby league player and administrator Andy Marinos, his wife Lee-Anne and four of their six children, who are from South Africa, were among those making a pledge of commitment to Australia.
"I think it is a huge privilege," Lee-Anne said. "We are very mindful of the opportunity that Australia offers us. It is a beautiful country to live in.
"When you take citizenship, it is a significant commitment towards a country, and with those rights come responsibilities." Andy said, "For us, Australia is a lot like South Africa in terms of the lifestyle it offers you and the sporting opportunities you can enjoy". "More importantly for our family, it is a great sense of security and opportunity," he said.
"Coming here for our kids, giving them the opportunity to become citizens of this country and enjoy what it's got to offer has been a real privilege for us." The family have been living in Greenhills Beach since returning to Australia seven years ago to follow career opportunities for husband Andy and greater educational opportunities for their children who range.
