Twenty-three residents were welcomed as the region’s newest Australians at a citizenship ceremony on 24 October.
The event was held at The Centre Beaudesert with aisles of chairs full of support and families waving cardboard Australian flags with pride.
The new citizens included 11 from New Zealand, two from the United Kingdom, three from South Africa, three from the Philippines, two from the Netherlands, one from Israel and one from Thailand.
Becoming an Australian citizen was an emotional time for Canungra resident Eric Baker after having to move from his hometown in Wellington, New Zealand.
“We had a house, and it was in the way of the light rail, so the government took it from us,” he said.
“The only place we could afford to buy was Canungra.”
Eric now lives in Canungra with his partner Lynn Blake, where they enjoy each other’s company.
“It’s a family place. The people are all nice, you can walk down to the shops, there’s no traffic lights – it’s a good place,” Eric said.
Mayor Tom Sharp was delighted to welcome the new citizens.
“Today’s event represents a milestone in the journey from immigrant to Australian citizen – our region has a proud history of welcoming people from all over the world,” he said.
“Whatever our origin, our Australian citizenship is the common bond which unites us all.”
“For this afternoon’s ceremony, it is an important day in your lives, and I am glad you have chosen to share it with us in the Scenic Rim,” Mr Sharp added.
Each of the 23 residents received their Australian citizenship certificate alongside a gift of a native tree, which was a tradition started by the Scenic Rim Regional Council.
“With this tree, you’ll plant down your roots here in the Scenic Rim,” Mr Sharp said.
“We have built a nation in which people can bring all that they are to Australia. We are all free to express and share our cultural heritage within the law and we can all participate, contribute and belong as Australians.”
