ON Sunday, at Beenleigh Events Centre, I celebrated Australia Day by swearing in 180 people as new citizens.
I can always see the excitement in the faces of people finally becoming Australian. It’s a day they never forget.
Holding this ceremony on Australia Day means a lot to them – and this weekend was extra special because there’s nothing a true blue Aussie loves more than a long weekend.
Of course, there’s a lot more to Australia Day than just a public holiday.
No matter how you feel about it, it’s an important moment on our calendar.
On this day, we acknowledge the pain that building this wonderful country has caused to our Indigenous brothers and sisters, who have walked this land for over 65,000 years.
We also celebrate our nation’s colonial roots, how far we’ve come, how lucky we are to live in a land of freedom, safety, inclusion and prosperity.
Australia Day is a chance to honour some of the people who contribute to our incredible community spirit.
At the Sunday ceremony, we announced the City of Logan Citizens of the Year, Abdul Khan and Lilly Rider.
Lilly fundraised tens of thousands of dollars for Orange Sky to support people experiencing homelessness and Adbul engaged young people from diverse backgrounds through sport while helping them remain connected to culture.
We also had some big winners from Logan in the Prime Minister’s Australia Day honours as well.
Dr Katrina Wruck was named Young Australian of the Year.
The Shailer Park-based chemist was recognised for her profit-for-purpose business, Nguki Kula Green Labs.
She’s transforming the consumer goods sector, harnessing the power of green chemistry, and giving back to remote communities through her research.
I’d also like to congratulate Logan’s Professor Megan Davies on being awarded a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC).
It is our nation’s highest civilian honour.
The constitutional lawyer received the prestigious award for her service to law and Indigenous people.
She has been a champion for reconciliation in Australia and worked for the United Nations for more than two decades as a human rights lawyer.
She’s currently in the United States, as a visiting professor as Harvard Law School, among many other significant roles she holds.
Best of all, she’s never forgotten her roots in Eagleby and is so proud of where she’s from.
It always brings a smile to my face when people from Logan get recognised on the national stage.
