TGH Exclusive: George Gounaris’ journey of becoming an Australian citizen ends with online ceremony

·

The journey to becoming an Australian citizen is a process that Greek migrants remember well. Often filled with excitement, migrants remember the day they get presented with their certificate of citizenship.

For George Gounaris, this process was significantly different, conducting his special citizenship ceremony online in the comfort of his home on Wednesday.

The Greek Herald spoke with George to discuss the special ceremony, his journey to Australia and the difficult visa process encountered along the way.

The less than ‘flamboyant’ celebration desired

Taking the citizenship test almost 7 months ago, Gounaris was ecstatic to finally become an official Australian citizen. Yet, unknown to him at the time of taking the test, the prestigious citizenship ceremony was to be conducted through the camera on his computer.

“It was quicker than I expected,” Gounaris said, speaking about the online ceremony.

“Very efficient, obviously it wasn’t as flamboyant as it would’ve been in person, but overall good.”

The online ceremony process was announced by the federal government in April, claiming that it will see “up to 750 people per day having their citizenship conferred”. As of April, there were 85,000 people awaiting a ceremony.

George Gounaris celebrating on the day of his online citizenship ceremony. Photo: Supplied

With COVID-19 restrictions in place, George’s grand celebration was conducted a bit closer to home than usual.

“Because of the lockdown, we were planning on going out but everything seems to still be very limited in terms of options,” Gounaris said.

“So we just celebrated in the house.”

Moving from Athens in 2012, he came to Australia for its relaxed lifestyle and family connection but stayed to make a new family of his own.

“I guess I liked the lifestyle in a way, and the fact I had some family here helped a bit as well in the beginning,” Gounaris revealed.

“I then started working here on a sponsored Visa, eventually meeting my partner.”

George’s partner, Erin, posted a photo to Reddit following his citizenship ceremony, reaching 10.9k upvotes on the discussion website. Receiving hundreds of comments, George was shocked to hear about the positive response.

“When my partner posted the photo, I didn’t even know. Someone messaged me through Facebook and said, ‘is this you?’ So I didn’t even know that she posted the photo.”

The difficult journey of a Greek migrant

Like many other Greeks who first journeyed to Australia, the first few years require hard work and persistence.

“Initially I was employed in hospitality, where I got the Visa from, but obviously after a while…. it becomes too much to work late at night,” Gounaris said.

“I had a degree in social sciences and used the qualifications to start a day job, eventually working for Pronia.”

George with his partner Erin. Photo: Supplied

George began working for the non-for-profit Greek organisation, Pronia, three years ago. Running for over 46 years, they deliver services such as early childhood education and aged care to the Greek community.

Now working to help a community close to his heart, George is extremely thankful for his partner Erin for helping him on his difficult journey, recognising that many aren’t so lucky.

“I was lucky because I met Erin, my partner, and she was able to assist with most of the Visa process that we went through,” George exclaimed thankfully.

George with his partner Erin. Photo: Supplied

“And if it wasn’t for her, it could’ve been really difficult to get the visa, so my partner put a lot of effort. More effort than an immigration agent would have put in.”

George hopes that the public recognises how unreliable and expensive the immigration process ultimately becomes.

“Generally the whole immigration process is very intense and slow. There are multiple steps you need to go through, and it is obviously expensive. It could be very expensive for some people. But eventually, after 8 years, I got there.

“People might want to come from overseas or people may not understand how difficult it is to actually achieve the outcome that I was lucky enough to achieve.”

greek film festival sydney new

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Councillor Katerine Theodosis calls on Merri-Bek to preserve its proud migrant history

Merri-Bek Councillor Katerine Theodosis has tasked Council to lead a program which documents and showcases the city’s migrant history. 

AHEPA Australia launches ‘Saving Hearts’ fundraiser in support of Heart Foundation

AHEPA Australia will host a Saving Hearts Fundraiser on Sunday, October 12, at The Grand Roxy in Sydney in support of the Heart Foundation.

Former Sydney teacher Bill Kafataris jailed for child sexual grooming

Bill Kafataris, 57, has been sentenced to two years in jail after being found guilty of sexually grooming a child following a retrial.

Oakleigh Grammar launches Term 4 with recognition, reflection, and a global vision

Oakleigh Grammar proudly welcomed the start of Term 4 with a meaningful commencement assembly, bringing the school community together.

Seventy-year-old Mike Zervos to run ‘against racism’ in Melbourne Marathon

Community leader Mike Zervos OAM will take part in this year’s Melbourne Marathon on October 12, running his 20th race at age 70.

You May Also Like

Ancient Nemea stadium in Greece reopens to visitors

The 4th-century BC Ancient Nemea stadium in Corinthia, Greece, re-opened on Wednesday to those who wanted to visit it.

Greek community groups awarded funding to hold festivals in NSW

81 community organisations are successful participants of the Multicultural NSW Stronger Together Festival and Event Grant program. 

Top 6 tips to supporting a loved one struggling with their mental health

The Greek Herald shares its top six tips to supporting a loved one struggling with their mental health every day.