Australia Day this year was significant for new Australian Resident Neeraj Pathak and his family. Neeraj took the pledge to become an Australia citizen in front of a crowd of people attending the Australia Day Breakfast in the Park event at Cootamundra’s Jubilee Park.
Neeraj who came to Australia from India in 2008, has made his home in Cootamundra and is the Store Manager at the Caltex store in Wagga Wagga. Neeraj’s wife Katrina is a Cootamundra girl and the children Tyler and Sienna attend Cootamundra Public School.
Neeraj was presented with a Citizenship Certificate by CGRC deputy mayor Cr Dennis Palmer and was also gifted with an Australian Native plant.
Mr Pathak said it was one of the best moments of his life.
“I was so very proud to stand before my family and all who attended the Australia Day celebrations and become an Australian citizen. I like the Australian Culture I like small communities and the community spirit I find in Cootamundra and I’m so very happy to have made this my home,” Neeraj said.
Neeraj came to Australia at the tender age of 19 to further his education after completing a Batchelor of Commerce degree in India. He went on to attain a Business Management degree.
“Australia has given me many opportunities in work and education, and I have my family and many friends here,” Neeraj added.
Pictures and Caption
New Australian citizen, Neeraj Pathak and CGRC deputy mayor Cr Dennis Palmer at the Australia Day celebrations on Tuesday.
