Fraser Coast welcomes 102 new Australian citizens
Published on 17 September 2026
- 102 new Australian citizens welcomed at a ceremony at the Brolga Theatre in Maryborough
- New citizens ranged in age from three to 84 and represented 23 countries
- Ceremony held to mark Australian Citizenship Day on 17 September
The Fraser Coast has welcomed 102 new Australian citizens at a special ceremony at the Brolga Theatre in Maryborough today to mark Australian Citizenship Day.
Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said the new citizens ranged in age from three to 84 and represented 23 countries, with family, friends and community members joining them for the Australian Citizenship Day ceremony.
“The ceremony was a proud occasion for both the new citizens and the wider community,” he said.
“Becoming an Australian citizen is a significant milestone and one that reflects a commitment to our shared values, community and way of life.
“Each of our newest citizens has their own story of how they came to call the Fraser Coast home, and it is a privilege to formally welcome them as Australians.
“Our region is stronger because of its diversity, and these new citizens will continue to help shape the future of the Fraser Coast through their contributions to our communities, workplaces, schools and local organisations.”
Cr Seymour said the Fraser Coast ceremony was among citizenship ceremonies being held across the country, with more than 9,000 people expected to become Australian citizens to mark Australian Citizenship Day.
“Since Australian citizenship was introduced 77 years ago, more than six million people from over 200 countries have chosen to call Australia home and become citizens. Today, more than half of all Australians were born overseas or have a parent born overseas,” he said.
“For many people, today’s ceremony represents the culmination of a long journey and the beginning of an exciting new chapter.”
The Mayor was joined at today’s ceremony by 2026 Citizen of the Year winner Bernard Whebell and students from Riverside Christian College, who performed the National Anthem.
For more information about Australian Citizenship Day, citizenship eligibility and the application process, visit www.citizenship.gov.au