North’s membership tally has received a boost, with 30 new Australian citizens joining the club.
The conferees, which included 23 adults and seven children from 13 countries, pledged their loyalty to Australia at a citizenship ceremony at Arden Street on Tuesday.
North’s Drew Petrie and Jack Ziebell were on hand to distribute a 2015 membership and a Kangaroos gift pack to each of the new citizens.
Petrie said he was humbled to represent the playing group alongside Ziebell and celebrate the country's cultural diversity.
“Being involved today was a special moment because I haven’t been involved in anything like this before,” Petrie told NMFC.com.au.
“Seeing the joy on their faces made me realise how appreciative they are to be able to call themselves Australian citizens.”
The key forward acknowledged the tireless work by the team at The Huddle, in particular, and their efforts in organising the function.
“The Huddle is probably the unsung hero in all of this. They were mentioned and recognised throughout the ceremony which is what they deserve,” he said.
“The Huddle has helped the multicultural and diverse community realise that North’s more than just a footy club.
“We’re about embracing people from all walks of life and today that shone through in having the citizenship ceremony here.”
Ziebell echoed Petrie’s sentiments and said he was pleased to be part of the special event.
“The North Melbourne Football Club is proud to have them (the new citizens) here and hopefully we’ve picked up a few new supporters as well,” Ziebell said.
“The Huddle do a lot of great work and the players are really involved in it as well which is fantastic.
“The way it organises, communicates and works with the community is fantastic … and today is a fine example of what they get up to.”
North chief executive Carl Dilena, federal defence minister Kevin Andrews, federal member for Melbourne Adam Bandt, executive director of the Australian Multicultural Foundation Hass Dellal and Boonwurrung elder Aunty Carolyn Briggs were among the dignitaries in attendance.
Australian celebration
"Being involved today was a special moment because I haven’t been involved in anything like this before."