Brisbane City Council has hosted two of Australia’s largest citizenship ceremonies this week, welcoming over 5,000 people across two citizenship ceremonies on 16 and 17 August at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre.
More than 2,500 people were invited to become new citizens at each ceremony placing them among the largest Australian citizenship ceremonies on record.
Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, Andrew Giles said reducing the number of people waiting for a ceremony is a priority for the Australian Government.
“Australia is a thriving multicultural country and each year we are honoured to welcome new citizens to our growing community,” he said.
“Australia’s diversity is one of our greatest strengths, which is why occasions such as these are so important not only to those participating in the ceremonies, but the wider Australian community,” he continued.
Citizens from more than 144 diverse backgrounds, including Egypt, Brazil, Vietnam, China, Syria and Kenya, have taken part in the ceremonies this week.
The increased numbers were created through months of ceremonies interrupted or reduced in size due to COVID-19 and the Department of Home Affairs is working closely with local councils to reduce the number of people and time waiting to attend a ceremony.
“We are looking forward to welcoming many more new citizens at local council and community ceremonies across the country as part of Australian Citizenship Day celebrations on 17 September” he said.
For more information about Australian citizenship visit
Immigration and citizenship.
