January 26th, Australia Day, holds a special place in the hearts of Australians as it is celebrated with citizenship ceremonies across the nation.
Among the organisations contributing to the festivities was the Varnam Cultural Society (QLD), renowned for the many successful and popular multicultural events it organises.
This year, they proudly hosted a Citizenship Ceremony on Australia Day, adding another layer of significance to the occasion.
A Citizenship Ceremony symbolises the inclusive nature of our society, welcoming a new cohort into the diverse fabric of our nation.
Typically organised by local councils, these ceremonies bring together people from various backgrounds to participate in the solemn recitation of the pledge of commitment, marking their commitment to Australian citizenship, and the rights and responsibilities it brings.
For the Varnam Cultural Society, this event marked their inaugural hosting of an Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony.
In the early hours of the morning, members of the Varnam Cultural Society gathered with enthusiasm at the local Springfield Lakes State School to meticulously prepare for the ceremony.
They were joined by distinguished guests including Federal MP and Speaker of House of Representatives Speaker Milton Dick, Queensland Minister for Multicultural Affairs Charis Mullen.
Celebratory Arrival: Welcoming New Citizens
The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as the new citizens arrived, ready to take the final step towards Australian citizenship.
The ceremony began with a warm welcome from Rajarajan Thennavan, President of the Varnam Cultural Society, setting the tone for the proceedings.
The highlight of the ceremony was the rendition of the Australian National Anthem, led by the talented Lakhsheeny M Parasuraman, whose captivating voice echoed through the venue.
“Together, we celebrated diversity, embraced unity, and welcomed new members into our Australian family,” Rajarajan Thennavan said.
“The day was a testament to the strength that comes from embracing our differences and fostering a sense of community.”
The successful hosting of the Citizenship Ceremony underscores the Varnam Cultural Society’s commitment to community service in Greater Springfield.
