Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner will welcome 550 new citizens from 74 countries in a special Australia Day ceremony at Brisbane City Hall.
Cr Schrinner said the ceremony recognises the incredible people and stories that make Brisbane an even better place to live.
“I always love the opportunity to welcome new citizens to our city, but this year is particularly special because it was 50 years ago that my own father became a citizen in Brisbane City Hall,” he said.
“Every year we see more and more people wanting to call Brisbane home with over 5,000 people taking their citizenship pledge across the city in 2023.
“Brisbane prides itself on being diverse and inclusive, so I’m looking forward to our newest citizens contributing to our already rich cultural tapestry.”
Between our sub-tropical climate, world-class lifestyle precincts like Howard Smith Wharves and enviable access to natural assets, including Moreton Island, visitors from across the globe are discovering that Brisbane is an incredibly attractive place to be,” he said.
The top five nationalities attending Brisbane’s citizenship ceremony today are from India (80), United Kingdom (49), China (45), New Zealand (40) and South Africa (33).
Cr Schrinner said Brisbane communities are ready and eager to embrace the new residents.
“Every one of these new residents help make Brisbane even better through promoting harmony and inclusivity,” he said.
“Our city is known for its hospitality and warm spirit and is renowned for being the best place in the world to live.
“I’m thrilled these new citizens have chosen to make our city home, and enjoy all Brisbane has to offer.
Cr Schrinner said Brisbane’s newest citizens will also be able to hear some of the stories from the winners of the Lord Mayor’s Australia Day Awards.
“The winners’ stories are fantastic examples of what happens when Brisbane residents go above and beyond for their community,” Cr Schrinner said.
“Senior Citizen of the Year Betty Jennings’ unwavering dedication to helping those in need has led her to volunteer as a Diggers’ Dozen in the Greenslopes Private Hospital for more than 20 years.
“Non-for-profit Dig In takes out Young Citizen of the Year, accepted by Curtis Sciacca and Lindsay Brown.
“Operating across 2 locations in Fortitude Valley and West End, Dig In embraces innovation and technology to help serve 300-350 meals to those experiencing food insecurity every Saturday.
“This year also we recognise Ryan Finn as the Australia Day Sports Award recipient, who for the past 7 years has volunteered his time to the Para Sport of Boccia, empowering young people with disability to enjoy and engage in sports.”
The Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony will be held between 9:30 and 10:30am at Brisbane City Hall this Australia Day, January 26.
For more information visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au, or call Council on 3403 8888.
