Published on Wednesday, 15 July 2026 at 11:23:45 AM
A childhood dream has come full circle for East Fremantle resident Idil Tasbasli, after she proudly became an Australian citizen on Monday 13 July at the Town of East Fremantle.
Mrs Tasbasli arrived in Australia in August 2021. She now calls East Fremantle home after meeting her partner in Bodrum, a coastal town in southern Turkey, in Mugla
At the time, she was working on the marina and her future partner Wayne Silich, originally from East Fremantle, was visiting the coastal town. The chance meeting eventually led her to start a new life in Perth.
Mrs Tasbasli said since she has settled in East Fremantle, she has embraced the community spirit, coastal lifestyle and welcoming atmosphere.
“What I love most about living in East Fremantle is the mediterranean atmosphere,” she said.
“The sea, community spirit, the port, sardines, beaches, long beach walks, the relaxed pace of life and sense of belonging.
“I haven’t seen much of Australia yet, so I still have a lot to discover but there is something very special about this part of Western Australia. East Fremantle feels exactly where I am meant to be.”
For Mrs Tasbasli, receiving Australian citizenship is an emotional milestone and one that has deeper roots dating back to more than 50 years ago.
Mrs Tasbasli said she felt the seeds of her journey were planted by her parents in 1973.
“As a child, I received a koala bear as a gift from a friend of my parents who had moved to Sydney from Istanbul,” she said.
“A photo of me was taken with the koala bear in my arms. The image was a pure symbol of peace and happiness for me. So, I kept this symbol of happiness and possibility as a seed in my imagination.
“It felt like a place where people lived happily ever after. While I understand as an adult that no country is perfect, the hope and warmth that Australia represented to me has never left.
“Becoming an Australian citizen feels like the closing of a beautiful circle and the beginning of a new chapter at the same time.”
Mayor Tony Natale said citizenship ceremonies were an opportunity to celebrate the multi-cultural community in East Fremantle.
“We are proud to welcome our newest citizens who have chosen to call East Fremantle their home,” he said.
“Citizenship ceremonies are always a lovely celebration on the Town’s event calendar, giving us the opportunity to recognise the journeys, achievements, and contributions of members of our community.
“Each new citizen brings their own culture and experiences to our social fabric, helping to strengthen our vibrant community we all love.”
Town of East Fremantle welcomed 13 new citizens in a ceremony at the Town Hall. The Town’s multicultural community now includes new citizens from Chile, Denmark, Fiji, Germany, Ireland, New Zealand, Philippines, Turkey, United Kingdom, and the United States of America.
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