REDLAND City welcomed 170 new citizens from 21 countries in a ceremony at Redlands Performing Arts Centre on Thursday, September 17, which was also Australian Citizenship Day.
Redlands mayor Karen Williams presided over the event, while Cr Julie Talty was emcee and Cr Paul Bishop read out the names.
Redland Rhapsody performed Shelter and Advance Australia Fair, Aunty Evelyn Parkin gave a Welcome to Country and former state member for Capalaba Michael Choi was guest speaker.
Members of the de Jager family, of Victoria Point, were among those who became Australian citizens.
Sonja de Jager said she came to Australia from South Africa in 2008 with her husband, Henk, a cabinet maker, and her three daughters, Anica, Monica and Chanel, to be closer to other family members already living here.
“It was also for a better life and circumstances than where we were coming from,” she said.
“We love the peacefulness of the Redlands.
“It’s a vibrant area made for families and we love the atmosphere and the lifestyle.”
