Proud to become Australian citizens

Holly Zhou, her husband Jack Mao, and their children Tina and Derek had an extra special reason for enjoying the Queensland Multicultural Festival in Brisbane in October.

They were among more than 90 people who participated in the Australian citizenship ceremony held during the festival.

“The ceremony was heart warming and really touching,” Holly says.

Holly and Jack first came to Brisbane from China in October 2003 when Derek was four and Tina was eight.

“We were young and adventurous and fell in love with Brisbane and the beautiful Jacaranda trees along the river,” Holly says.

“My husband and I were doctors in China, and after passing the AMC (Australian Medical Council) exams here, we started to work and settle in Brisbane’s south side.

“We’re all settled in now and enjoying life in Australia so we decided to become citizens.

“I am proud to be an Australian citizen. For Jack, being Australian gives him more sense of security, peace and a better quality of life.

“Tina wants to travel the world after school and wants to tell people she is Australian.

“Derek hopes to represent Australia at the Australian or US Open one day.”

Holly says she believes Queensland has a strong multicultural community.

“If you go to Sunnybank Market square, you can feel it and you can see many different cultural restaurants … you name it and it’s there,” she says.

Did you know?

Queensland is home to more than 200 cultures, 220 languages and 100 religious beliefs.

Almost one in every six Queenslanders was born overseas.

Multiculturalism is one of Queensland’s greatest strengths benefiting our communities, workforce, businesses and trade.

Citizenship ceremonies and multicultural festivals are held in communities throughout Queensland each year.

Multicultural Affairs Queensland provides many programs and resources to support and promote multiculturalism throughout Queensland.

To find out more visit Multicultural Affairs Queensland or phone 13 QGOV (13 74 68). Interpreting services are available. 

Queensland Multicultural Awards

Each year, the Queensland Multicultural Awards are held to recognise work and volunteering efforts that promote multiculturalism and increase community awareness of the benefits of multiculturalism.

To find out who won this year’s awards, visit the 2011 Queensland Multicultural Awards winners website.