New Australians welcomed at Queensland's birthday bash

Some of the Scenic Rim's newest Australians who were welcomed by Deputy Mayor Jeff McConnell and Mayor Greg Christensen

Fifteen Scenic Rim residents from nine countries have been welcomed as the region's newest Australians at a citizenship ceremony during Queensland Day celebrations in Beaudesert yesterday. 

Jubilee Park took on a carnival atmosphere with Scenic Rim Regional Council's free family fun day providing an early celebration of Queensland's 164th birthday on 6 June and acknowledging National Reconciliation Week which concluded last week. 

Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen, who conducted the Queensland Day citizenship ceremony, said it was a privilege to be part of each new citizen's journey in becoming a 'true blue' Australian. 

"The story of Queensland begins on 6 June 1859, when Queen Victoria signed the letters patent creating a self-governing colony, separate from New South Wales, that was named in her honour," he told the gathering in Jubilee Park. 

"Today we have 15 individuals from nine countries who are about to begin a new chapter in their own story as they formally become Australian citizens.  

"While they have all come from very different parts of the world, they share one thing in common – all have chosen to make the Scenic Rim their home. 

"As Mayor, I congratulate them on their excellent choice and would like to take this opportunity to welcome them to what we consider to be The Richest Place on Earth, In Australia." 

The free family fun day was a celebration of all things Queensland and included games, face painting, live music, animal displays, jumping castles, food, stalls and giveaways. 

Live entertainment featured performances by the Mununjali Ngari dancers and students from Beaudesert State High School.

"In celebrating Queensland Day, we share a sense of pride in being both Australians and Queenslanders," Mayor Christensen said. 

"This event was part of the 2023 Queensland Government's Queensland Day celebrations and Council is grateful for the support which helped to make our family fun day so successful." 

The Scenic Rim's newest Australians are: