A Special Australia Day for our Newest Australians

Fifteen Scenic Rim residents will be celebrating Australia Day tomorrow as fair dinkum Aussies following a citizenship ceremony last night at The Centre, Beaudesert.

Our newest Australians - from Thailand, France, the United Kingdom, and South Africa, and a family of proud Scots - pledged their loyalty to Australia and its people during a citizenship ceremony before the presentation of the Scenic Rim Region 2018 Australia Day Awards.

Mayor Greg Christensen congratulated the new Australians who have joined the more than 4.5 million migrants from around the world in pledging their loyalty to Australia since 1949.

"It was only on Australia Day,1949, that the concept of a unique national identity for Australians, beyond their previous status as British subjects, came into being when the Nationality and Citizenship Act of 1948 took effect," he said.

"Becoming an Australian citizen does not mean turning your back on your country of origin. It does not mean you have to forget the language of the country or its customs or culture.

"Instead we ask you to share these valuable assets so that Australians can become more tolerant and understanding."

Cr Christensen extended his condolences to the family of John Stockwell, a Tamborine Mountain resident of 17 years, who passed away last year before he was able to become an Australian citizen.

"John's wife, Patricia, is here with us to take part in the ceremony and I am sure John would have been proud to see her tonight," Cr Christensen told the audience of more than 200 at The Centre.

"On behalf of the people of Australia, and especially the Scenic Rim, I congratulate you all on becoming Australian Citizens and hope you have a happy and successful future.

"You are not only becoming Australians but also a part of a great community here in the Scenic Rim."

The Scenic Rim's newest Australians are: