A red-letter day for the Scenic Rim’s newest Australians

The Scenic Rim’s 13 newest Australians who pledged their allegiance yesterday.

Citizenship Day tomorrow will have special significance for 13 members of the Scenic Rim community who are now the region’s newest Australians.

Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen, who conducted the citizenship ceremony yesterday (Thursday 15 September) at The Centre Beaudesert, welcomed the residents from six diverse nations and acknowledged the milestone in their journey from immigrants to Australian citizens.

The Scenic Rim’s newest Australians have come from the United Kingdom, Germany, Brazil, Indonesia, Egypt and the United States and now call Tamborine Mountain, Mount Alford, Tamborine, Gleneagle, Beaudesert and Canungra home.

“Australia is one of the most culturally diverse nations in the world, having welcomed more than five million new citizens to its shores since 1949,” Mayor Christensen said.

“Census information shows that half of all Australians were born overseas or have a parent who was and, here in the Scenic Rim, we have a proud history of welcoming people from all over the world.

“Whatever our origins, our Australian citizenship is the common bond which unites us.

"We cherish the values of Australian citizenship - respect for the freedom and dignity of others, equality before the law regardless of race, religion, gender or ethnic background, and a fair go for all.”

Mayor Christensen said the passing of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, which had shocked and saddened many in the community, had added a note of poignancy to the citizenship ceremony.

“The Queen embodied the true meaning of duty that was an example to us all,” he said.

“Her commitment to public service across the Commonwealth was nothing short of extraordinary and her legacy will live on forever.”

Yesterday’s citizenship ceremony had been timed to coincide as closely as possible with Australian Citizenship Day on 17 September and continued as planned during the period of mourning for the Queen on the advice of the Department of Home Affairs.

First observed in 2001, Citizenship Day was established to encourage a celebration of Australian citizenship, with 17 September chosen as the day marking the anniversary of the renaming in 1973 of the Nationality and Citizenship Act 1948 to the Australian Citizenship Act 1948.

“Citizenship Day is an opportunity for us all to reflect on the meaning and importance of Australian citizenship and the responsibilities and privileges we all enjoy as citizens of this wonderful country,” Mayor Christensen said.

“As well as being a special day for our newest Australians, our citizenship ceremony was a timely reminder for us all about what it means to be an Australian citizen.

“My congratulations to all of our newest Australians, who I hope will enjoy a happy and successful future as citizens of Australia.”

The Scenic Rim’s newest Australians are as follows: