There will be a green tinge to next week’s Redland City citizenship ceremony with the luck of the Irish taking centre stage at the event in the lead up to St Patrick’s day.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams will preside over the ceremony where 132 new citizens will be welcomed to the city.

“Redland City continues to be a city of choice for new citizens with this ceremony taking the total number of new citizens who have joined the city since the beginning of last year to almost 1,000,” she said.

“It shows the high regard Redland City is held in by new Australian citizens.

“It is a great place to live for families and new citizens of all ages, with an attractive lifestyle, climate and a strong community feel.”

With Irish dancers opening the ceremony, the night will hold special significance for the Sillett family who emigrated from County Cork, Ireland in 2008.

Heather said the family of five, including children Maggie (10), Charlie (7) and Ruby (3) moved out to Australia when husband Owen was offered a transfer.

“We love Australia – the weather, the people – there is so much to do as a family and great opportunities for the kids,” the Thornlands resident said.

“We chose the Redlands as it is close to the water, is very family friendly and we really like the area.”

Redland City’s Citizen of the Year, Meg O’Driscoll, will be guest speaker at the ceremony and Redlands’ own Vocal Manoeuvres will also be performing.

In all residents from 24 countries will become Australian citizens at the event. 

The citizens are from: Bangladesh, Canada, China, Colombia, Dominica, HKSAR OF THE PRC, India, Italy, Latvia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, Republic of Ireland, Republic of South Korea, Scotland, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Thailand
U.S.S.R, United Kingdom, USA and Zambia