The shire remains a destination of choice for new Aussies, with 14 citizens making a pledge to our country in a ceremony at Port Douglas.
The new citizens, from Germany, The Philippines, France, New Zealand, Thailand, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, were presented with their citizenship certificate and a plant from Mayor Lisa Scomazzon on Thursday (March 20).
Mayor Scomazzon said it was pleasing the ceremony, at the Port Douglas Community Hall, could coincide with Harmony Week.
“The message of Harmony Week is everyone belongs,” Mayor Scomazzon said in her speech for ceremony attendees.
“A message about inclusiveness, respect and belonging for all Australians, regardless of cultural or linguistic background, united by a set of core Australian values that go beyond our different cultures and are that makes Australia such a great place to live.
“This message of respect and belonging can be lived by each of us every day, not just during Harmony Week but for 365 days a year.
“We are stronger because of our differences and what we each bring to the table.”
