Becoming an Australian citizen marks the latest chapter in Cheryl Paranihi’s journey, one that began with a leap of faith more than four decades ago and has led her to a community she is proud to call home.
Originally from Feilding, New Zealand, Cheryl became the first member of her family to leave home and start a new life overseas when she arrived in Sydney in 1980.
“At the time flying out of New Zealand and starting a new life was unusual,” she said.
Over the years Cheryl moved between New Zealand and Australia but eventually found herself drawn back across the Tasman for good.
After arriving in Bundaberg nearly six years ago, what was meant to be a temporary stop quickly became home.
“Bundaberg was meant to just be a landing spot,” she said.
Since settling in the region, Cheryl has embraced every opportunity that has come her way.
“I really love the fact that I have got all the opportunities here to see what I want to do,” she said.
“I started a bond cleaning business, was a teacher aide, then support work and now I am doing a mental health course.
“All the work I do involves caring for other people.”
Cheryl’s desire to help others was strengthened by a tragic experience that would eventually inspire her to volunteer with the Bundaberg State Emergency Service.
“[My family and I] were in a serious accident and the emergency services were there for us,” she said.
After losing her two daughters in the accident, Cheryl wanted to give back to the people who support others in their most difficult moments.
“So when I saw somebody with the SES, I asked, ‘what’s the SES?’ they said ‘State Emergency Services’ and I said ‘well I need to do that’,” she said.
Today, Cheryl said the community she had found in Bundaberg was one of the reasons she chose to make Australia her home.
“I love this community, love Bundaberg; it’s diverse,” she said.
“I love the people I love the fact that I can learn whatever I want to learn here, and it doesn’t matter what it is.
“And I’ve got hundreds of friends here, way too many!
“I really enjoy the wildlife and landscape and progress I’ve seen over the past nearly six years.”
Cheryl was joined more than 80 new Australians at this week’s Citizenship Ceremony, hosted by Bundaberg Regional Council at the Bundaberg Multiplex.
Congratulations to all.
