Council welcomes 17 new Australian citizens
Explore Councils by state
Seventeen Burdekin residents have been welcomed as the region’s newest Australian citizens, after taking their pledge during a ceremony hosted by Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin at Council Chambers today.
The new Australians come from eight different countries, including India, South Africa, Germany, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, France and the UK.
Cr McLaughlin said it was a very exciting occasion for all involved and that the Burdekin was delighted to welcome them as full citizens.
“The decision to become an Australian is a major one. Like other major life decisions, it is an event which involves commitment, responsibility, public recognition, celebration of the present and hopes for a common future,” Cr McLaughlin said.
“The culture and traditions that migrants bring to Australia contribute in making Australia a vibrant and diverse community.
“Only by accepting our duty as Australian citizens can we make sure that our rights and those of our children will be protected now and into the future.
“I would like to congratulate all our newest citizens on their decision to become Australian citizens- a decision which is not only welcomed by me, but by all Australians.”
Burdekin Shire Council hosts a number of citizenship ceremonies each year for residents who have applied to the Department of Immigration and Border Protection for Australian citizenship.