A day to celebrate all that is great

Australia Day is a day for all Australians to celebrate what is great about our nation.  

It is a day for all of us to come together as equals and give thanks that we live in the greatest country on earth.

Australia Day holds a special meaning for many who become citizens on our national day.

That’s why, I was thrilled to welcome some of our newest Australians, at a citizenship ceremony I held on Friday morning.

I was fortunate to share in this special day for almost 50 new citizens, as they took their oaths in front of family and friends.

These new citizens, as with so many new citizens in similar event across the country, come to us from all around the world, all with different experiences and cultures to weave into our Australian story.

Welcoming our newest residents reminded me just why we are the most successful multicultural nation; we are home to people from all over the world who live peacefully side-by-side.

It is the people that make Australia great.

We are a nation of people that get involved in our local community, help each other out when we need it the most and continue to build on the hard work of those that came before us.

That is the parting message I had for our newest Australians, and one which I share with you all.

Get out there, have a go and get involved in the issues that matter most to you.

It is pleasing then, that Australia Day is also a time where we recognise those Australians who have given so much to their local communities. 

The City of Logan held its annual Australia Day Australia Day awards, for Citizen of the Year and Young Citizen of the Year.

Congratulations to this year’s award winners:

Citizen of the Year – Margaret Harvey

Young Citizen of the Year – Elahi Elahi

Both of this year’s recipients have volunteered their time and worked tirelessly to assist those in our community dealing with the issues of homelessness – providing support and relief. 

Thank you both for your efforts.