2 June 2021
Published 26 January 2021
There were cheers and tears today at the Moreton Bay 2021 Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony, as 139 Moreton Bay locals made the pledge to become Australian citizens.
Our newest citizens come from 25 countries, marking the occasion with loved ones at an event emceed by ABC radio presenter Loretta Ryan at Morayfield Sport & Events Centre.
Mayor Peter Flannery said it was an honour to welcome Moreton Bay’s newest Aussie citizens, especially through tough times of the coronavirus pandemic.
“It’s no secret that we live in one of the most beautiful parts of the world, from the shores of Bribie Island and Redcliffe to the countryside of Samford,” Mayor Flannery said.
“But I believe it’s the people that make the place, so our region is now richer with the addition of these new cultures, cuisines, and global perspectives.
“Today we welcomed citizens from the United Kingdom, India, and South Africa, and also individuals further afield from Finland, Morocco and Myanmar.
“About 2,000 people become citizens every year in Moreton Bay and I thank each and every one of them for choosing to call our region home.”
Indian husband and wife, Suriya Eshwari Ravindran and Anamika Krishna Kumar, now call Griffin home with their son Aarav Suriya Anamika.
“It’s been more than 5 years that we’ve been living in Australia from India and we’re so happy to call Australia our second home,” Suriya said.
“The diversity of this country makes everything more flavourful, be it the cultural acceptance, food, nature, education, or sports, and the people are so warm, welcoming and accepting.”
His wife Anamika said Moreton Bay offered her family limitless possibility.
“Our feeling of belonging becomes so much stronger with becoming a citizen and it opens up a wider variety of opportunities for jobs, education, travel — it’s only going to make our lifestyle better,” Anamika said.
“There’s something for everything at Moreton Bay, right from babies to grandparents, be it the beaches, parks, libraries, recreation centres and more — it’s good to be here.”
Learn more about becoming an Australian Citizen: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/citizenship/become-a-citizen