Redland City welcomed 168 new residents from 22 countries tonight at its latest Citizenship Ceremony, held at the Redland Performing Arts Centre in Cleveland.
Redland City Mayor Cr Karen Williams said the event was especially poignant, as it was
also national Australian Citizenship Day.
“Today has been celebrated as Australian Citizenship Day since 2001, and it is a day for all citizens, Australian by birth or choice, to reflect on how immensely fortunate we are to live in this wonderful country,” Cr Williams said.
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“Not only have our new Australians chosen this great country as their new nation, but they have chosen Redland City as their new home.
“Redland City Council is committed to embracing and encouraging cultural diversity, and
recognising that our differences can also mean a wealth of new skills, knowledge, ideas and experiences we can all benefit from.”
The Mayor said Council chose Australian Citizenship Day to launch a new format for citizenship ceremonies that highlighted the diversity in our community.
“Our ceremony included a wider variety of entertainment and a keynote speech by Mr Michael Choi, the former State Member for Capalaba,” she said.
“Michael Choi was the first Chinese-Australian Member of Queensland’s Parliament when elected in 2001, and has been through the citizenship process, so he offered a unique insight for our newest citizens.
“From our early pioneer days immigrants have played a crucial role in the development of the Redlands, helping to build the strong vibrant city it is today.
“We welcome our new citizens and are delighted they’ve chosen Redlands as their Australian home.”
The ceremony was opened by a famous Chinese Opera performer, Mr George Wong, who has travelled the world with his Mask Man performance.
The evening concluded with a performance by Redland Rhapsody Chorus. The local women’s chorus singing four-part a cappella harmonies performed “My Country” and closed the ceremony with the Australian national anthem, Advance Australia Fair.
