Council welcomes 17 new citizens

Three families and six individuals have rounded out 2024 in the best way possible – officially becoming Australian citizens.

Seventeen conferees took the pledge of loyalty to Australia yesterday, as Lockyer Valley Regional Council hosted its last Citizenship Ceremony for the year at Gatton Shire Hall.

Mayor Tanya Milligan said it was a morning of storytelling, expressions of gratitude and celebration.

“The road to becoming a fully-fledged Australian is often a long one, and it is always such a pleasure to see the smiles and appreciation from our newest citizens on what is a very special day for them,” she said.

“Our country is one of the most diverse and multicultural societies in the world, and we welcome these newest citizens into the fold as full members of the Australian community.”

Council administers four Citizenship Ceremonies each year on behalf of the Department of Home Affairs.

In 2024, Council welcomed a total of 99 new citizens, with yesterday’s conferees hailing from the UK, Taiwan, Nepal, India and New Zealand.

During the formal ceremony, conferees pledge to share Australia’s democratic beliefs and respect the rights and liberties of all Australians.

The next Citizenship Ceremony will take place on Australia Day 2025.

For more information on Citizenship Ceremonies, visit Council’s website www.lockyervalley.qld.gov.au or contact Council on 1300 005 872.