155 new citizens welcomed for Australian Citizenship Day

The Sunshine Coast welcomed 155 new citizens at a special citizenship ceremony held at Coolum State School today as part of Australian Citizenship Day 2017 celebrations.

Mayor Mark Jamieson said the ceremony was an opportunity for all Australians, whether they were citizens by birth or by pledge, to come together to acknowledge what’s great about Australia and being Australian.

“Australian citizenship is a privilege – it’s a life-long commitment to Australia’s values of freedom, security, democracy, equality and respect,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“Today we welcomed the conferees from 26 countries, including Brazil, Canada, Fiji, Italy and Japan, who have officially become the Sunshine Coast’s newest Australian citizens.”

This year, some 87 ceremonies arranged by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection and local councils were staged around Australia to celebrate Australian Citizenship Day (September 17), with more than 4480 people set to become Australian citizens as part of this special occasion.

Australian Citizenship Day provides an occasion for individuals, schools, community groups and organisations to reflect on the values of Australian citizenship and the contributions of citizens to our local communities.

Australian citizenship ceremonies on the Sunshine Coast are held bi-monthly at locations across the region.

Around 1500 Sunshine Coast residents become Australian citizens every year.

Visit council’s website for more information.