For a moment during the ceremony which certified him as an Australian citizen, David Rubin de Celis Leal says he wondered if he was dreaming.
Surf Coast Shire Council’s chambers in Torquay were a long journey from his home at the dry heart of Mexico.
“The decision to stay here was a good seven years ago, so it has taken a lot of patience,” says David.
“It was like the cherry on the cake … an official seal from the government to accept me as an Australian. Knowing that you have this place that is yours, that this country is now mine with everyone else – that is a great feeling.”
As he stepped up to receive his certificate from Deputy Mayor, Mike Bodsworth, David says he felt emotion he couldn’t suppress and let loose a “whoop”.
“Finally when they called my name I didn’t know what to do, so I made a bit of noise like good Mexicans do!” he said.
“It was very exciting, and very meaningful, and a dream come true.”
David was one of 22 conferees who became Australian citizens at Council’s July citizenship ceremony.
Council hosts at least five citizenship ceremonies each year on behalf of the Australian Department of Home Affairs and during the past year 137 people – hailing from Peru to Poland, Namibia to Norway and countries in-between and beyond – have become citizens.
“It is always such a privilege and pleasure to be part of these ceremonies,” Councillor Bodsworth said.
“Formalising such a big step in someone’s life is a great honour and seeing and feeling the pride and excitement of the conferees and those closest to them is really special.
“I can identify strongly with how much acquiring new citizenship means as my wife Isabelle, who is from France, became an Australian citizen in January.”
David Rubin de Celis Leal has called Jan Juc, Anglesea and Bellbrae home during his years in Surf Coast Shire, and has now settled in Deans Marsh with partner Carly Merlo and children Venus, 7, and Marte, 4.
“I think it’s heaven mate. The community where we live here is absolutely amazing,” he said.
When he shifted from home city San Luis Potosi in 2011 to complete a PhD in advanced materials at Geelong’s Deakin University, he figured three years in Australia might be a good experience.
“I’m not a believer, but there is a saying in Mexico that I quite like: If you want to make God laugh, just tell him your plans,” he said.
“I had this plan to go back, and then I met Carly.”
After having achieved his PhD, David worked in advanced materials at Deakin, then after pandemic lockdowns moved to industry as a laboratory technician with Bulla Dairy Foods in Colac.
He now works between the two, and in community life enthusiastically shares his Mexican culture through food, dance, song and stories.
People seeking more information about Australian citizenship can call the information line on 131880 or visit https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/.
