SOUTHERN Downs Regional Council’s Warwick chamber was packed to the rafters last week with family and friends who gathered to witness 26 new citizens welcomed by the council at its June general meeting.
Southern Downs mayor Tracy Dobie said she was delighted to see such a large group of excited and happy people at the Council Chambers and especially the family members of the new citizens.
“It’s very special to be part of their day as they become an Australian citizen and we were all proud to sing the national anthem with them and take photos of this important ceremony,” she said.
The multicultural diversity of the region was reflected in the countries of origin of the new citizens, which included India, Morocco, Philippines, Poland, Republic of Ireland, South Korea, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, Tonga, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and Zambia.
All new citizens were presented with a certificate and an Australian native plant as a welcome gift from the council.
“We hope these plants take pride of place in the gardens of our new citizens and grow alongside them and their families,” Cr Dobie said.
“Choosing to become an Australian citizen is a very significant expression of a person’s pride in being part of Australia’s dynamic, diverse and multicultural society, and on behalf of the council, I congratulate each of our new citizens on their decision to become an Australian Citizen.”
