- Latest News
CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY: Siblings Francois and Monique Coetzee with Whyalla Mayor Clare McLaughlin
Whyalla sibling students Francois and Monique Coetzee officially became Aussies this month after emigrating from South Africa
From the little town of Belfast, near Johannesburg, the brother and sister moved to Whyalla seven years ago with their parents Riann and Adriana.
Belfast is a tiny town near the Swaziland border with a population of around 4500. Located 2,025m above sea level Belfast is one of the coldest and highest towns in South Africa.
Riann and Adriana moved to Whyalla with the prospect of better opportunities and employment for their children. Francois and Monique attended Sunrise Christian school after relocating to Whyalla then completed their schooling at Edward John Eyre High School.
Currently working casual jobs, Francois and Monique are both studying in Whyalla to become primary school teachers.
Both Francois and Monique are happy their parents made the move to Whyalla and have enjoying living, learning and working here.
FAMILY AFFAIR: Siblings Francois and Monique Coetzee with dad Riann
“People are friendly and the schools are great, it feels very welcoming,” Monique said.
“Whyalla is a very beautiful town too.”
“I am a big fan of the diverse cultures in Australia,” Francois said.
“Belfast was a very cold town, one of the coldest in South Africa, so we have enjoyed the warmer weather here in Whyalla.”
Riann and Adriana have lodged their paperwork to become Australian citizens and hope to take their vows with the Mayor in the near future.