Queensland Celebrates Australia Day 2010

Senator Chris Evans
Leader of the Government in the Senate
Minister for Immigration and Citizenship

Queensland celebrates Australia Day 2010

About 3500 people from about 90 countries will become citizens during more than 60 special Australia Day ceremonies in Queensland tomorrow (26 January).

Nationwide, some 16 500 people from 144 countries will become citizens at 350 ceremonies on and around Australia Day making 2010 celebrations the biggest ever.

In Queensland, highlight events include the Brisbane City Council's ceremony for more than 900 people at the Convention Centre, a beach ceremony on the Sunshine Coast and a ceremony for four new citizens in Emerald.

Griffith University science and IT student, Emmanuel Nkengurutse, is becoming a citizen at the Brisbane City Council ceremony.

Mr Nkengurutse, 24, and his family fled ethnic violence in the African country of Burundi and spent more than ten years in a refugee camp in Tanzania before coming to Australia under the humanitarian program in 2007.

"My parents are proud that I am going to university and I am proud to become an
Australian," Mr Nkengurutse said.

January 26 is a chance for everyone to celebrate the diversity on which Australia is built.

The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, said Australia has been enriched by the cultures of people from more than 200 countries who have chosen to call Australia home.

"Becoming an Australian citizen shows commitment and loyalty to this country and a desire to share in our common future," Senator Evans said.

"Australian citizenship is about people embracing a new national identity and a chance for all Australians to understand the role citizenship plays in building a strong, unified nation.

"Our citizenship is something we should all actively celebrate on Australia Day.
"I invite everyone attending ceremonies to also celebrate their commitment to Australia by joining in the affirmation and publicly stating their loyalty and commitment to Australia and its people."

Note to media: Broadcast-quality audio grabs from Senator Evans and further information on Australian citizenship are available online at: www.newsroom.immi.gov.au

For interviews with new citizens: Contact the Department of Immigration and Citizenship National Communications Branch on (02) 6264 2244.


Media Contacts:
Simon Dowding
(02) 6277 7860
or 0411 138 541 (Minister's office)

DIAC National Communications Branch on (02) 6264 2244

SOURCE: Minister for Immigration and Citizenship