Somerset welcomes 47 new citizens for Australia Day

Published on 24 January 2025

SOMERSET is now the proud home to 47 new Australian citizens.

Somerset Regional Council celebrated the milestone at its Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony on Friday, 24 January at the Somerset Civic Centre in Esk.

Estela Amber, Amie Armstrong and Johnrex Campong taking the oath at the Somerset Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony on Friday, 24 January at the Somerset Civic Centre.

The 47 conferees hail from Colombia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Thailand, Tonga, and the United Kingdom.

Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said it was an honour to lead the new Australians in reciting the Citizenship Pledge.

Leonard, Leonnie and Glezel Ladroma received their citizenship certificates with Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann and Somerset Regional Council Mayor Jason Wendt

“This was my first Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony as Somerset’s Mayor, and it was a privilege to welcome so many wonderful people from such diverse backgrounds to Australia,” Cr Wendt said.

“These ceremonies are an important part of our nation’s celebrations, with more than 280 ceremonies held across the country and almost 15,000 people taking the pledge in 2025.

“Australia Day gives all citizens the opportunity to reflect on what it means to be an Aussie and to celebrate our great nation, our rich indigenous and migrant history and our promising future.

“It is heartwarming to see so many people choosing to call Australia, and Somerset, their home.”

Somerset residents Edna, Callyle, Ruben and Carllyle Torrenueva now call Australia their official home.

Cr Wendt thanked Australia Day Ambassador William ‘Bill’ Nancarrow, Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann, State Member for Lockyer Jim McDonald and State Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington for joining the ceremony.

The new citizens each received certificates, small native trees, Australian flags and bags of goodies.

Somerset Regional Council will hold additional citizenship ceremonies throughout 2025.

Shayne Neumann MP with Edward Maiava and Mayor Jason Wendt.

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