Scenic Rim Council welcomes new Australian citizens

Nineteen Scenic Rim residents from 15 countries have celebrated their first  Australia Day as true-blue Aussies following a citizenship ceremony at  Beaudesert this morning. 

With Mayor Greg Christensen officiating, the region’s newest Australians pledged their  loyalty to Australia and its people in a ceremony which followed the presentation of the 2021  Scenic Rim Australia Day Awards at The Centre. 

“The history and culture of Australia has been forged over thousands of years, from  Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to migrants from the four corners of the earth  seeking a new life,” he said. 

“On behalf of our Scenic Rim communities, I congratulate you all on becoming Australian  citizens and hope you will enjoy a happy and successful future here in our very special part  of the world.” 

Scenic Rim New Citizens Beaudesert and Kerry.

The Scenic Rim’s newest Australians join the more than 4.5 million people from around the  globe who have pledged to become Australian citizens since 26 January 1949, when the  Nationality and Citizenship Act introduced a unique national identity for Australians. 

Across the region, the new citizens have come from Greece, Germany, Kazakhstan, South  Africa, the Philippines, Canada, Romania, New Zealand, the Czech Republic, Italy, England,  the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Brazil and Vietnam. 

They were among more than 12,000 people from more than 130 nations to become  Australian citizens at ceremonies across the country today. 

“It has been an honour to help you complete your journey from migrant to Australian citizen,”  Cr Christensen said. 

Scenic Rim New Citizens Boonah, Harrisville and Maroon

“Becoming an Australian citizen does not mean turning your back on your country of origin. “Neither does it mean that you have to forget the language of the country or its customs or  culture, rather that you can share these with us to further enrich our communities.” 

Cr Christensen said the unique spirit of the Scenic Rim had shone through in the 2021  Australia Day Awards, which provided an opportunity to salute the quiet achievers who are  vital threads in the social fabric of the region and contribute to organisations which are at the  heart of community life.

“I hope that, as members of our community, our new citizens will be as inspired as I have  been by the example of this year’s Australia Day Awards winners and the very worthy  nominees,” he said. 

The full list of new citizens is as follows: