On a hot summer day, my brother Marvin, my mother and I made our way into town to the Department of Immigration for our Australian citizenship interview. Marvin and I were nonchalant about it, having memorised the responsibilities (4) and privileges of citizenship (6). Mom fretted about like all mothers do, asking us to recite what we’d learnt, telling us to look presentable etc.

In the end, it was anti-climatic. Mom and I had our interview first because we had arrived earlier. The official looked through our papers and application forms, and made us each recite 2 and 3 of the responsibilities and privileges respectively. She then processed our payment (A$120 each) and congratulated us - our applications have been approved and we will receive notification when to attend a citizenship ceremony at our local city hall.

Marvin had it even easier. His interviewer has a Malaysian wife and they chit-chatted about food and KL amongst other things. And the interviewer *told* him what were the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship were. Nice one, brother.

Anyway, from a soon-to-be official Australian, Happy Australia Day mate! :)

Mooiness and his beer