Australia Day 2026 was extra special for 176 Redlands Coast residents who became Australian citizens at a ceremony organised by Redland City Council.
Mayor Jos Mitchell, who was presiding officer at the ceremony on Monday 26 January, said the event provided an opportunity to reflect on what it meant to be an Australian citizen.
“The ceremony was a time for us all to reflect on our shared values, our national history, our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage, and how each one of us can become more involved with our local community,” the Mayor said.
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“Our new citizens were from 38 countries, including South Africa, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Italy, Zimbabwe and Bulgaria and they joined more than 18,000 other people Australia-wide who were invited to become citizens on Australia Day.”
The Mayor said citizenship was an important common bond for all Australians, directly contributing to a unified, cohesive and inclusive nation.
“On Redlands Coast we are fortunate to live in a truly diverse community, with about one-quarter of local residents being born overseas,” the Mayor said.
“Add to this the fact that 60 per cent of our residents’ ancestors are from countries other than Australia. Our city is made up of cultures from across the globe.
“Redland City Council hosts a number of citizenship ceremonies each year to welcome people who have decided to make their home on Redlands Coast with, on average, more than 850 people choosing to become Australian citizens each year.
“Congratulations to our newest Australian citizens.”
For information about Redland City Australian citizenship ceremonies, please visit Council’s website.
For information about Australian citizenship, including eligibility criteria and the application process, visit citizenship.gov.au
