Queensland

Brisbane welcomes almost 600 new Australians

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Almost 600 people have officially become Australian citizens at a ceremony in Brisbane.

It is the state's largest Australia Day citizenship ceremony, with the new Aussies hailing from 64 countries.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk extended a warm welcome to his city's newest citizens but urged them to put "any element of hatred" felt in the past behind them.

"Today is an important day in your life and today we say thank you for making the decision to become part of the Australian family," he said.

They would all "add vibrancy and diversity" to Brisbane where 28 per cent of citizens were born overseas, he added.

Multicultural Affairs Minister Grace Grace also welcomed the new Australians to Queensland, a state she described as a "wonderful" multicultural success story.

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The majority declared as Australian citizens had come from India, Britain, the Philippines, Ireland, China, New Zealand and Pakistan.

Citizenship ceremonies are also being held at Jezzine Barracks in Townsville, the Atherton International Club near Cairns and the Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre on Thursday.

Others will celebrate the day in Queensland with BBQs, fireworks and cockroach races.

AAP