The growth of Scenic Rim continues as 23 residents were welcomed as the region’s newest Australians at a citizenship ceremony on 24 October.
The event was held at The Centre, Beaudesert with supportive families waving Australian flags with pride.
The new citizens included 11 people from New Zealand, two from the United Kingdom, three from South Africa, three from the Philippines, two from the Netherlands, one from Israel and one from Thailand.
Tamborine Mountain residents Jan Schoonbeek and Geesje Staal were excited to officially become Australian citizens after being in Australia for 42 years since leaving Holland.
Together they had 16 guests supporting them from the crowd as they accepted their citizenship certificates.
The pair have resided on Tamborine Mountain for the past 25 years and have no plans to leave any time soon.
“It’s a laid-back easy-going place. We used to live in Brisbane, and on the place we live now, we were sitting and having lunch together, we saw it was for sale, and we bought it,” Jan said.
“We love it, and we’re not going to leave,” Geesje said.
Mayor Tom Sharp welcomed the new citizens to Scenic Rim.
“Today’s event represents a milestone in the journey from immigrant to Australian citizen – our region has a proud history of welcoming people from all over the world,” he said.
“Whatever our origin, our Australian citizenship is the common bond which unites us all.”
“For this afternoon’s ceremony, it is an important day in your lives, and I am glad you have chosen to share it with us in the Scenic Rim,” Mr Sharp added.
Each of the 23 residents received their Australian citizenship certificate alongside a gift of a native tree, which was a tradition started by the Scenic Rim Regional Council.
“With this tree, you’ll plant down your roots here in the Scenic Rim,” Mr Sharp said.
“We have built a nation in which people can bring all that they are to Australia. We are all free to express and share our cultural heritage within the law and we can all participate, contribute and belong as Australians.”
