Local Ceremony Hosted by Rotarians Welcomes New Aussies on Australia Day 2019 Local residents gathered on Australia Day January 25 to celebrate the receiving of Australian Citizenship by 34 - 32 adults and 2 children candidates who pledged their allegiance to Australia in a moving ceremony conducted by The Gap Ward’s Cr Steven Toomey who was the Presiding Officer. The Rotary Club of Ashgrove/The Gap hosted the event, the 25th successive year it has done so, held this year at the JA Robertson Hall at The Gap State High School. The 2019 Australian Citizenship Candidates come from 16 countries: Belgium, Bulgaria, China, Germany, India, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Malaysia, Nepal, New Zealand, Philippines, South Africa, Switzerland, United Kingdom and the United States of America. To c o m m e n c e t h e c e r e m o n y, f l a g b e a r e r s marched into the hall and placed the flags on stage. Flag bearers were: Lily Caperon, Rotary Young Leader Award 2018 carrying the Main Australian flag; Katie Karthik THSHS Interact Club carrying the Rotary International flag; Lara Hinton, THSHS Interact Club carrying the Aboriginal flag; Claudia Cuttriss, THSHS Interact Club, carrying the City of Brisbane flag; Ayden Montgomerie, Rotaryspronsored to The Science Experience 2018, carrying the Queensland flag and Emma Lugge, Mt St Michael’s Interact Club and National Youth Science Forum 2018, carrying the Lead Australian flag. Following a brief introduction from MC Ritchie Callaghan, Ashgrove /The Gap President Francine Hinton gave an official welcome. Cr. Steven Toomey and Hon. Kate Jones addressed those assembled for the ceremony. Cr Toomey
then read a message from Minister Hon. David Coleman MP, to the candidates and then proceeded to administer the oath/affirmation to each candidate individually or as a family. Entertainment was provided by the Royal Bounty Bush Band, who have participated in many of the ceremonies over the past 25 years. Guests included Rotary District Governor Wendy Protheroe, Past District Governors John Lane, Dai Mason and Bill Waterfield, Joyce Arnold and Sue Cohn, Ashgrove/The Gap Lions Club, Stewart Wallace, Probus Club of The Gap and Anne McLaughlan Principal The Gap State High School. Attending for the 25th year was former Cr. Brian Hallinan, who was instrumental in assisting the Rotary Club of Ashgrove/The Gap to be successful in hosting the very first local community Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony at Wilcannia Park. Brian was accompanied by his wife Coral. The vote of thanks, on behalf of all candidates, was given by Christine Schapdryver. Christine said she moved to Brisbane six years ago for work and and it very soon became the place to call home. She fell in love with Australia straight away - espcially because of the warmth of welcome, friendship and mateship which was extended to her. “I’m proud to stand hre today, when our dreams have come true, I am so proud to be an Aussie!” she said. Following the ceremony candidates, their families, guests and members of the local community enjoyed a morning tea which featured many Aussie staples - including vegemite and lamingtons!
website: http://www.westernecho.com.au
Former Councillor for The Gap Ward, Brian Hallinan with wife Coral and Rotarian Bob Newey following the ceremony
Inside the February Issue... Amnestty International...............................................................20 Arana VIEW Club....................................................................18 Art in Bark Assoc........................................................................17 Ashgrove Historical Society.................................................12 Ashgrove/The Gap Lions Club..............................................8 Australia Day Honours Award - Bernie Hoesman.........................13 Brisbane Tramway Museum..................................................22 Chess T’Minit.......................................................................26 Clean Up Australia Day..........................................................27 Communify.................................................................................10 Enoggera Historical Society..............................................31 Federal Update - Jane Prentice........................................7 Ithaca Probus Club.............................................................26 Mitchelton Garden Club....................................................28 National Servicemen’s Association of Aust. (Qld Branch)........26 Newmarket VIEW Club..................................................14 Norths Hockey Club.......................................................................16 Paten Park Native Nursery (PPNN).............................................28 Qld Family History Society................................................20 Reflections..........................................................................30 Rotary Club of Ashgrove/The Gap......................................3, 18 & 19 Serenata Singers...............................................................22 SOWN (Save Our Waterways Now)...........................................29 State Update - Kate Jones - Member for Ashgrove......................5 The Gap Ashgrove National Seniors........................................20 The Gap Historical Society...............................................14 The Gap Probus Club.............................................................21 The Gap RSL Sub Branch..................................................6 Ward Happenings Cr Steven Toomey.................................4 Yooralla Street Community Garden........................................29 The Western Echo February 2019 Page 3
