Bert Van Manen (Forde, Liberal Party) | Hansard source

Australia Day is a day for all Australians to celebrate what is great about our nation. It's a day for all of us to come together as equals and give thanks that we live in the greatest country on earth. Australia Day holds a special meaning for many who become citizens on our national day. I was thrilled to welcome some of our newest Australians at a citizenship ceremony held on Australia Day in Pimpama on the northern Gold Coast. I was fortunate enough to host 60 new citizens as they took their oaths in front of family and friends. These new citizens have come to us from all corners of the globe, all with different experiences and cultures to weave into the tapestry of the Australian story. While welcoming our newest citizens, I was reminded why we are such a successful multicultural nation, being home to peoples from all over the world.

Also on that day, the City of Logan held their annual Australia Day awards for the Citizen of the Year and Young Citizen of the Year. Congratulations to this year's award winners: Citizen of the Year Margaret Harvey, and Young Citizen of the Year Elahi Elahi. Both of this year's recipients have volunteered their time and worked tirelessly to assist those in the community dealing with issues of homelessness. I would like to thank both winners, Margaret and Elahi, for their efforts and their tireless service to the community.

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