Cultural diversity in the Redlands was celebrated last night with 169 residents becoming Australian citizens during a citizenship ceremony at the Redland Performing Arts Centre.
Redland City Deputy Mayor and last night’s presiding officer Cr Wendy Boglary said the city’s newest Australian citizens hailed from 25 countries, demonstrating the cultural diversity of the city.
“Council has been hosting citizenship ceremonies for the past 62 years and our cultural diversity makes us who we are today,” Cr Boglary said.
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“Our citizenship ceremony is a celebration of our diversity, and the rich cultural depth that only grows as more international people choose to call Redlands home.
“Many people are attracted to the Redlands because of its breathtaking natural scenery and bayside location but these aspects are only a small part of what makes the Redlands an exceptional place to live. It is our people – our community – that really sets us apart.
“We have bountiful opportunities right here on our doorstep to raise our children in a safe environment, learn in exceptional educational facilities, work close to home and enjoy many social activities and friendships.
“Our idyllic location and strong sense of community continues to attract those seeking a new life, with the Redlands welcoming 743 new citizens from 54 countries over the past 12 months alone, enriching the multicultural character of our city.”
Cr Boglary said cultural diversity was one of our nation’s greatest strengths.
“Since 1945, seven million people have migrated to Australia and we identify with more than 270 ancestries across the nation,” she said.
“According to the 2016 census results, around half of Australians were born overseas or who have a parent who was born overseas.
“While English remains the main language for most Australians, there are 301 different languages spoken in homes across the country, including more than 60 Indigenous languages.”
Nations represented at last night’s ceremony included: Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, England, Fiji, France, India, Ireland, Italy, Jordan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Scotland, South Africa, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States, Vietnam and Zimbabwe.
Photos from the ceremony are available from the Redland City Council Flickr album.
