KARAWATHA, on Saturday September 18th, the Islamic Council of Queensland organized their 3rd citizenship ceremony at the Islamic college of Brisbane in Karawatha.
The function began with the welcome address by Habib Jamal President of the Islamic Council of Queensland. Aunty Betty McGrady from Logan elders and Queensland Multicultural Council did the formal acknowledgement to country and paid respect to elders past, present, and emerging.
Jim Chalmers MP Federal Member of Rankin was the presiding officer and he congratulated the new citizens and thanked Islamic Council of Queensland for facilitating the citizenship ceremony.
A message from Hon. Alex Hawke MP Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrants Services and Multicultural Affairs was read. This citizenship pledge was taken by both oath and affirmation.
On behalf of new citizens, Zahra Abdul Qayum delivered a speech thanking Australian government and the organizers of the citizenship ceremony.
The new citizens were asked to open the certificates signifying the handing of the certificates to them. As due to COVID19 all individual’s recipient could not be called upon the stage. After the ceremony the voluntary Australian Citizenship Affirmation was conducted. The affirmation reads, “As an Australian citizen I affirm my loyalty to Australia and its people, whose democratic beliefs I share, whose rights and liberties I respect, and whose laws I will uphold and obey”.
The event concluded with the refreshment being served to new citizens and invited dignitaries.
