Brisbane welcomes 500 new citizens in Australia Day ceremony

Brisbane, January 26 (Australia India News Newsdesk)

Brisbane hosted its largest citizenship ceremony on Australia Day, welcoming 500 new citizens from 70 countries at City Hall.

The event highlights Brisbane’s diversity and multicultural spirit, with India (88), New Zealand (63), China (33), South Africa (15), and Taiwan (15) being the top countries of origin for the new Australians.

The ceremony, the first of 11 scheduled for Brisbane City Hall in 2025, reflects the city’s ongoing growth as a global hub. Last year, more than 7,000 Brisbane residents became Australian citizens, underscoring its reputation as a welcoming and inclusive city. Each new citizen will receive a certificate, a gift bag, and a native plant seedling as part of the celebration.

Attendees will also hear the inspiring stories of recipients of the 2025 Lord Mayor’s Australia Day Awards. Lynn Atkinson, named Citizen of the Year, was recognized for 40 years of service in youth development, founding three charities to support vulnerable young people. Michael Flanagan, Senior Citizen of the Year, was honoured for his 37 years as a Justice of the Peace, volunteering in hospitals, nursing homes, and assisting police investigations.

Jessica Hernandez, Young Citizen of the Year, was celebrated for her leadership in Scouts Queensland and volunteering for causes like the Red Cross Emergency Services. Other award winners include Brook Monahan (Corporate Citizen of the Year), Ingrid James (Cultural/Arts Award), and Glen Brown (Sports Award).

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner expressed his pride in welcoming Brisbane’s newest citizens, stating, “For many, this ceremony marks the culmination of a long road to becoming Australians. It’s an absolute honour to see them choose Brisbane as their home for its lifestyle, hospitality, and embrace of diversity.”

The Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony took place on January 26, 2025, at City Hall in Brisbane CBD, celebrating unity and the contributions of the city’s vibrant multicultural community.