Welcome to our new Citizens!

Welcome to our new Citizens!

Proudly hosted by the Rotary Club of Ashgrove The Gap

We had true Brisbane summer weather as 79 “conferees” from no fewer than 29 countries and every continent except Antarctica became new Australian citizens at The Gap State High School on Australia Day, in a ceremony hosted by the Rotary Club of Ashgrove/The Gap.

Not only had they travelled far from overseas, they travelled far on the day, from every corner of our large and sprawling city. 

After registration they were invited to a light, Australian-themed, morning tea, with a chance to meet others, ask questions, and get accustomed to the place. Traditional Aussie music was provided by the Band O’ Koots to ensure a cheerful, informal and above all Australian ambience. This was their first year with us, replacing the faithful Royal Bounty Bush Band, and they did a brilliant job. 

Official guests, besides the Presiding Officer Councillor Steven Toomey, included the Member for Cooper, Ms. Jonty Bush MLA, the member for Ryan, and the publishers of this Western Echo. 

Rotarian Tim Boyd then briefed the conferees, explaining how the morning would work and how to look after citizenship certificates etc. 

MC Rotarian Ritchie Callaghan then called the meeting to order, and the formalities began. After a flag ceremony conducted by six former Rotary Club Presidents, and a welcome by current President Dianne O’Malley, Councillor Toomey opened the formal proceedings by reading the message from the Federal Minister Andrew Giles, as required by the Act. 

He then gave a short speech in which he welcomed the new “conferees”: those on whom new citizenship was to be “conferred”. 

Jonty Bush welcomed the conferees and emphasized the importance of community – a community which, as new citizens, they would be joining. 

One thing that makes this Rotary ceremony different is that conferees are called up to say their pledges of allegiance to Australia one family at a time, rather than as a mass as done at other ceremonies. Cr Toomey duly called up the families, we all heard the pledges, and on descending from the stage each family got souvenir Rotary certificates, and a native plant each courtesy of Brisbane City Council. 

After the singing (“We Are Australian” and the National Anthem) there was a group photo and a swap session for anyone who preferred a bigger or smaller plant. Not everyone has a garden. 

The Rotary club prides itself on being the pioneer of club-hosted ceremonies in Australia; this was their 31st ceremony and it fully lived up to expectations. 

For more about the Rotary Club of Ashgrove The Gap: www.rotaryashgrovethegap.org.au 

Images credits: Tim Boyd, Jonty Bush MP, and The Western Echo 

EDITOR’S NOTE: We sincerely thank the Rotary Club of Ashgrove The Gap for inviting us to the Citizenship Ceremony – it was a very impressive and heartfelt ceremony and we are thrilled to have been part of this special event. Thanks from Mel + Kym.