British woman living in Australia becomes citizen at 92

February 18 2010 by Liam Clifford

A 92-year-old woman who moved to Australia in the 1960s has become one of the oldest people to become an Australian citizen.

Iris Boatfield, originally from the UK, has been living in Australia for decades and was made an Australian citizen at a private family ceremony in Brisbane earlier today.

The Australian immigration department made a statement about Iris: “Mrs Boatfield is one of only a few people in their 90s the Department of Immigration and Citizenship is aware of who has made the pledge to become an Australian citizen.” The statement continued, “her decision shows it is never too late for someone to take the final step in their migration journey and become an Australian citizen.”

Mrs Boatfield says she has considered Australia to be her home for many years and decided to join members of her family in becoming an official citizen. Iris remembered why she moved to Australia in the first place, “my husband was so amazed there was warm rain, we made the decision then and there to move to Redcliffe.”

Last year, some 18,510 British people became Australian citizens – accounting for the largest group of immigrants to become Aussies.

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