Welcoming Bourke’s new Australian citizens

Bourke Shire Mayor Lachan Ford and Council General Manager Leonie Brown with Renier Mostert, Franco Mostert, Walmer Mostert and Ane Mostert, at a Citizenship Ceremony on Monday. Photo Ian Cole TWH

Story: Kristin Murdock and Ian Cole

After four and a half years building a life in Bourke, the Mostert family – made up of Renier and Ane plus their two boys Franco and Walmer – has officially taken the final step - becoming Australian citizens.

The milestone was marked at a citizenship ceremony conducted by Bourke Mayor Lachlan Ford at Bourke Shire Chambers on Monday following Council’s monthly meeting.

For Renier Mostert, it was the culmination of a journey that began when his family moved from South Africa in search of a better future.

“It took us four and a half years to get to this point,” Mr Mostert said.

“After two years, we got permanent residency, and then a year after that we applied for citizenship, and today we got it,” he said on Monday.

“We’re very happy. Citizenship was the goal we started with, and we are glad to have reached that goal.” […]

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