Redlanders from 25 countries around the globe will become the city’s newest Australian citizens tomorrow night in a ceremony at the Redland Performing Arts Centre.
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said 124 people would participate in the city’s citizenship ceremony, further enriching the cultural diversity of the Redlands.
“With much of the Redlands pioneered by migrant families a century ago, whose names are now entrenched in the fabric of the city, citizenship ceremonies celebrate our cultural diversity,” she said.
“Our idyllic location and strong sense of community continues to attract people seeking a new life, with the Redlands welcoming 769 new citizens from 57 countries in 2015 alone, enriching the multicultural character of our city.”
Cr Williams said the citizenship ceremony was a significant milestone for those who have committed to becoming Australians.
“Citizenship is an important common bond for all Australians and lies at the heart of a unified, cohesive and inclusive community – this event is a great day in people’s lives,” she said.
“The Redlands welcomes new citizens five times a year at citizenship ceremonies conducted by Council, which formally welcome new citizens as full members of the Australian and Redlands community.”
Nations represented at this week’s ceremony include: China, Colombia, Denmark, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Lebanon, Malta, New Zealand, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Poland, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, Taiwan, United Kingdom and the United States.
Guest speaker at this month’s ceremony will be the founder and director of Redland City Choir Anita Taylor, who received the 2016 Redland City Australia Day Cultural Award in January in recognition of her significant achievements producing and promoting outstanding creative work in the Redlands.
Redland City Council Citizenship Ceremony event
Wednesday 8 June 2016
Doors open at 5.30pm for a 6pm start
Concert Hall, Redland Performing Arts Centre, Middle Street, Cleveland
If media would like to attend, please contact Redland City Council’s Communication, Engagement and Tourism Group on 3829 8288.
