Eagleby locals Elvira Lacaden and her two teenaged daughters are already Aussies – but on 26 January they are making it official.
The Lacadens, born in the Philippines, are joining almost 180 others from 46 nations by becoming Australian citizens this 26 January.
Ms Lacaden was born in the Philippines and moved to Australia in 2017 – initially without her kids, Joelyn and Jocel.
“I couldn’t get to sleep while being so far apart from my kids,” she said,
“Especially because I was a single mum back then and didn’t have a job.”
Ms Lacaden’s daughters joined her in Australia a short time later, and after a brief stint where they were nearly deported, became permanent residents in 2021.
Ms Lacaden is now partnered and a homeowner, with a job in aged care.
She said moving to Australia was an easy transition for her family, particularly because of the weather and the nice people.
“I never want to go back to the Philippines,” she said.
Her youngest daughter, Jocel, is about to head into Year 10 and is excited about the year ahead.
“I’m very excited to become a citizen,” she said.
Miss Lacaden said she’s enjoying the Australian lifestyle.
“It’s much better than the Philippines,” she said.
“We have way more opportunities for the future over here.”
As an aspiring engineer with a keen interest in maths and houses, Miss Lacaden said she was enjoying Australian schooling.
“It’s so different over here – especially the rules.”
Although moving countries at such a young age was a “big change” for her, she has fit right in.
“Everyone is pretty chill and relaxed,” she said.
Ms Lacaden’s partner John Brown, a born and bred Australian, agreed their citizenship was a “long time coming”.
“They’ve become used to the Australian way of life,” he said.
The Lacadens will take their pledge on Friday 26 January at the Logan Entertainment Centre.
The ceremony will also feature the announcement of the recipients of the City of Logan’s Australia Day Awards – the two award categories are Citizen of the Year and Young Citizen of the Year.
The ceremony will be attended by Logan City Council representatives, local community leaders and elected members across various levels of government, the family and friends of citizenship recipients and those nominated for the awards.
