SHIRE of Mundaring presented 33 new Australian citizens from across 11 countries with their citizenship certificates at a special ceremony on Australia Day last Sunday.

Four locals from across every area of the Shire of Mundaring, shared their stories of what citizenship and home means to them.

For one of our newest Australian citizens and someone who is ‘all about the outdoors’, finding their little piece of the hills in Stoneville to call home, was a dream for geologist Andrew Gribben, his wife Ellice and their young family.

Mr Gribben, who moved from New Zealand, recalls what first attracted the family to the area and to moving to Australia.

“I really started to look at Mundaring Weir and had a pint at the local pub with friends and thought how amazing it was. It doesn’t feel like you are in the city, it’s a real escape. Being from a small town in New Zealand, the community is really strong and it feels similar.”

He and his family moved to Stoneville, excited at the opportunity to enjoy a larger block and all that the hills community had to offer.

“We have 0.2ha – chickens, a whole bunch of bandicoots running around, 20 types of fruit trees, a big ‘vege’ garden and we make our own tomato sauce that we give to our friends.”

For Mr Gribben the offer of Australian citizenship and the chance to connect to the Australian outdoor lifestyle is deeply meaningful.

“This is my home (Australia) and has been since 2011 – which is now almost 14 years. Being accepted here means the world to me, this is where I have my feet in the soil.

“It does mean a lot be an Australian and the opportunities are exponential – if you work hard, things can happen for you. We see ourselves bringing our family up in the hills,” he said.

For Ukraine-born linguist and German citizen Kateryna Panasenko, becoming an Australian citizen marks the end of a long journey and the beginning of a new chapter.

Ms Panasenko had never given much thought to Australia beyond its iconic beaches and kangaroos.

But in 2017, she made a quick decision to apply for an Australian working visa, bringing her halfway across the world to WA’s Pilbara region.

“I had travelled a lot in Europe – from Ukraine to Germany and lived in Spain in high school and later Paris, France when I decided to work on improving my English. I thought Australia sounded like a lovely sunny place, so I decided to apply,” she said.

It was here in Australia that Ms Panasenko met her fiancé, Grey. After travelling together, the couple decided to settle down, purchasing a property in Mount Helena in 2024.

“Grey and I wanted more space and land, and Mount Helena felt perfect. I grew up in the city, but living in the hills is so peaceful and relaxing – especially coming home after a long day at work.”

For Chidlow couple Mark and Fayanna Sowerby citizenship marked the culmination of a journey decades in the making, and one that began reluctantly at least for Mrs Sowerby.

Mark originally lived in Australia during the 1980s before returning to New Zealand, where he met his now wife and fell in love, but it took 27 years to convince her to come to Australia.

“I always wanted to be an Aussie. The way of life here was just easy. WA is it – there’s the rest of Australia and the best of Australia,” he said.

Finally, in 2018, they made the move, purchasing a five-acre property in Chidlow.

Chidlow quickly became home for the couple.

“It is such an awesome community in Chidlow – everyone is on the same page. All our neighbours became our best friends.”

When not working they volunteer – working with OzHarvest, Foodbank and their church, collecting and packaging food hampers for locals in need.

Citizenship marked a special milestone for Helena Valley resident Scott Thompson,

signifying more than a piece of paper; rather a sense of belonging and permanence after years of moving around the world.

Born in Canada, Scott spent his childhood in Northern Ireland before moving to New Zealand as a teenager. In 2012, he and his wife decided to leave New Zealand in search of better opportunities and a change in lifestyle.

“It was hard to find good work in New Zealand, and my wife at the time wanted to move,” he said.

With experience in healthcare, Mr Thompson applied for jobs and eventually landed a role in Perth, where the lifestyle immediately resonated with him.

“Australia feels like New Zealand. It’s very easy to settle here – it’s familiar, but with better weather and more opportunities”.

After a year of renting in Bassendean, Mr Thompson wanted a block of land and kept returning to the idea of Helena Valley.

“Helena Valley just kept calling us back,” he said.

“I am not a big city person - this suburb is quite rural, even with lots of kangaroos hopping around at night, but also close enough to the CBD and work.”