The excitement was palpable as soon-to-be Australians gathered at the Star Theatre at Invermay on Sunday morning for a citizenship ceremony that also marked the start of Refugee Week.
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While Australia’s newest citizens were at their official event, another group of recent Tasmanian residents were preparing a feast to celebrate.
The newly-minted citizens celebrated after the ceremony with food prepared by members of the Women’s Friendship Group at the Inveresk Tavern.
Farideh Habibollahi created the feast menu, which included beef kofta and felafel with sauces and sweet ferni, rahiti and pastries.
Mrs Habibollahi had four women from the group to help her in the kitchen and nine wait staff to serve the dishes for her first catering job.
“It was excellent. It was so hard for the first time that I couldn’t sleep the night before,” she said.
“I hope they were satisfied with the cooking.”
The Women’s Friendship Group hires out the services of its multicultural cooks for events like the citizenship ceremony.
Launceston MLC Rosemary Armitage attended the citizenship ceremony, but also visits the friendship group.
“It’s important to make new citizens feel welcome and show them we are pleased they have chosen Launceston as their home,” Mrs Armitage said.
The Women’s Friendship Group meets on Mondays between 12pm and 2pm at Northern Integrated Care Services, Launceston.
Contact Robyn Flittner on 0429 695 149 or robflittner@hotmail.com for information.
Johanna Baker-Dowdell
Johanna has more than 22 years experience as a journalist for newspapers, magazines and online publications.
Johanna has more than 22 years experience as a journalist for newspapers, magazines and online publications.
