Ten new Australians welcomed to Esk community

PEOPLE born in the UK, Thailand, South Africa and New Zealand were welcomed into the Australian family at a ceremony on Tuesday.

FAMILY PHOTO: Somerset Mayor Graeme Lehmann, Blair MP Shayne Neumann and Ipswich West MP Sean Choat with the Somerset region’s 10 new Australian citizens. Picture: Contributed

TEN new Aussies were welcomed in Esk this week.

People born in the UK, Thailand, South Africa and New Zealand were welcomed into the Australian family at a ceremony on Tuesday.

Among the new citizens was 11-year-old Ardeethep Thammaraksa who moved to the Somerset from Thailand.

Ardeethep was joined by his mum, Noopis Cox, who also became an Australian citizen.

Somerset residents Liam Douglas, Joyce and Laurie Floor, Drew Garner, Virginia Haak, Wikus Janse Van Rensburg, Peter Sellwood and Gayle Williams also became Australian Citizens.

The new citizens bring with them their rich heritage from Thailand, Philippines, South Africa, England, New Zealand, United Kingdom and Sri Lanka.

Somerset mayor Graeme Lehmann congratulated each of them on becoming an Australian.

"I'm proud of each of you for taking this step in your lives and welcome you and your families into our community," he said.

"Your cultural heritage is now part of the Somerset region and I welcome your contributions to the community."

Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann also welcomed the new citizens on behalf of Minister for Immigration Chris Bowen.

"You've each chosen to be part of the Australian family and I welcome you," he said.

Originally published as Ten new Australians welcomed to Esk community