Twenty-five people representing 15 different countries of birth officially became Australian citizens during a special ceremony hosted by the Gold Coast Titans recently.
On Friday, 17 July, surrounded by family and friends at the Titans High Performance Centre, the Gold Coast’s newest citizens took the Australian Citizenship Pledge and received their citizenship certificates, marking an incredibly significant moment in their lives.
The ceremony was a lead in to the commencement of Multicultural Queensland Month in August, and was opened with a Welcome to Country from Uncle John Graham before Gold Coast Titans Chairman Dennis Watt warmly welcomed the new citizens and their families to the home of the Titans.
Watt spoke passionately about the importance of ensuring everyone feels welcomed, valued and part of the community they now call home.
“It was an enormous privilege to welcome 25 of Australia’s newest citizens, representing 15 different countries of birth, to the home of the Titans,” Watt said.
“This was so much more than a formal ceremony. It was a celebration of 25 people, their families, their individual journeys and everything they have contribute, and will continue to contribute to our community.
“To each of our newest citizens, we want you to know how proud we are to share this moment with you. You are welcome here, you are valued here and you are an important part of our community.
“The Titans belong to the people of our region, and from this moment forward, we hope you will always feel that this is your club and your home too.”
The ceremony was presided over by Acting Mayor of the City of Gold Coast, Councillor Mark Hammel, who administered the Australian Citizenship Pledge and presented each new citizen with their certificate.
Federal Member for Fadden Cameron Caldwell MP read the Minister’s message and delivered an address, followed by Queensland Minister for Multiculturalism, the Honourable Fiona Simpson MP.
The celebration was also attended by Executive Director of Multicultural Affairs Queensland Nina Sprake, Division 8 Councillor Bob La Castra, Nathan Fleury, Titans CEO Steve Mitchell and Titans Foundation CEO Christine Halliwell.
Kevin Dando served as Master of Ceremonies, guiding guests through the formal proceedings and helping make the occasion a warm and memorable celebration for the new citizens and their families.
As a further gesture of welcome, each new citizen received a special gift from the Titans, including complimentary tickets to the Titans’ clash against the New Zealand Warriors at Cbus Super Stadium on Saturday, 1 August.
The match will also help launch Multicultural Queensland Month, celebrating the cultures, stories and communities that contribute to Queensland’s identity. This year’s theme, “Get amongst it!”, encourages Queenslanders to connect with their communities and take part in celebrations throughout August.
Watt said inviting the new citizens and their guests to the match was an opportunity to continue the welcome beyond the ceremony.
“Rugby league has a very special way of bringing people together, and that is what we want this invitation to represent,” Watt said.
“We want our newest citizens to come to the game with someone important to them, experience the atmosphere and know they are part of the Titans family.
“Whatever country you were born in, whatever your story and whatever journey brought you here, there is a place for you in our community. We cannot wait to welcome you back and cheer alongside you.”
The ceremony marked a meaningful beginning to the Titans’ Multicultural Queensland Month celebrations and reflected the club’s commitment to creating a community where everyone feels included and that they belong.
Following the formal proceedings, the new citizens and their families enjoyed morning tea and photographs with dignitaries and Titans representatives.
The Gold Coast Titans warmly congratulate all 25 new Australian citizens and look forward to welcoming them and their guests back to the home of the Titans on 1 August.
