The Western Downs has officially welcomed 45 new Australian citizens as part of a special Citizenship Ceremony held at Dalby's Delicious and DeLIGHTful Festival (Saturday, 27 August) in Dalby.
Our newest citizens have come to our region from several countries including United Kingdom, Philippines, India, Unites States, Colombia, Thailand, Ukraine, Canada and Bangladesh.
Western Downs Regional Council Deputy Mayor Andrew Smith said there was possibly no better event to welcome our region's newest citizens than at a festival that brought people together to celebrate culture and diversity.
"Welcoming new Australians on behalf of the Commonwealth is a privilege and having the opportunity to be a part of a special moment in the lives of people who have chosen to call Australia and the Western Downs home is an absolute highlight," Cr Smith said.
"Our newcomers from across the seas bring so much to our region, and diversity of culture adds to the vibrant community here in the Western Downs.
"A ceremony such as this, coinciding with Dalby's famous Delicious and DeLIGHTful Festival, gives us the chance to offer a warm Western Downs welcome.
"I congratulate our 45 newest citizens and I'm certain they'll quickly discover that 'it's the people that make it' and our region is such a fantastic and supportive place to live, work and raise a family.
Chinchilla resident Diego Gonzalez, who is originally from Columbia, said he was full of joy.
"We've been living in Chinchilla for a few months, and I can say that I've met some really good, friendly and welcoming people here and it's a great place to live," Mr Gonzalez said.
Harpavitar Singh, one of the Western Downs' newest citizens said that he felt wonderful and was proud to now be an Australian.
"This is a wonderful festival, this area is very beautiful, and the people are very nice and friendly here, so I love the community," Mr Singh said.
This is the second citizenship ceremony for 2022.
