The council chambers were packed with family, well-wishers and supporters as local residents Peerada Sangsrigaew, best known to friends as Eva, and Bill and Grace Wiser from the Bruderhof community, took the oath to become Australians.

Before the ceremony, Bill said he was feeling proud to take the step with his wife Grace. They have been in Australia for nearly five years. 

“We’re very happy to be here, and there’s a lot of good work to be done, in this country, and very good people to do it with,” he said.

Members of the Bruderhof at the Danthonia community can be placed in different countries to pursue their faith and work, and Bill said they will follow the Gospel of the Bible, and take every day at a time.

“Actually, none of us know what tomorrow will bring. You wake up one morning, and something happens, so you make the most of it,” he said. 

“We’ve learned that from our soon-to-be fellow Australians, to take each day and make the most of it.”

“We were very warmly welcomed here in Australia, and we’re very thrilled to become citizens,” Grace added.

Eve was visibly elated to be assuming Australian citizenship on Friday. With her partner Tom Fahey and friends by her side, the Inverell business owner was smiling broadly. 

“It’s very important, and I’m so excited for today. I have been waiting for a long time,” she said. “I love this country, and especially I love the people. They are lovely people.” 

She explained her love for Australia did not diminish her passion for her hometown, Maha Sarakham, Thailand, but this was a new love. “I love my country – but now, I am proud of myself to be an Australian citizen.”

The ceremony was conducted by Inverell deputy mayor Anthony Michaels in the absence of mayor Paul Harmon, general manager Paul Henry, with councillors Paul King, Di Baker, Kate Dight and Jacki Watts attending.

Each new Australian received a copy of Inverell poet Esther Gardiner’s book, Precious Memories of My Aboriginal Poetry Dreaming, documenting her culture in verse.

Afterwards, Cr Watts evoked laughter when she offered a piece of advice to the new citizens in her trademark Scottish brogue: “I just hope you all develop an Australian accent like me,” and grinned.