Laos-born Vilaysouk ‘Apple’ Hattam and her daughter Namphone Souvannachoumkham are Upper Lachlan Shire’s newest citizens.
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Mrs Hattam took the Australian Citizenship pledge at a ceremony held at January 26 celebrations in Crookwell.
Namphone will become an Australian Citizen by descent.
Mrs Hattam moved to Crookwell in 2009 to be with her husband, Mick.
She said she decided to become a citizen because of the many benefits it would bring.
“I now have the right to vote or even stand for election if I choose,” Mrs Hattam said.
“My daughter can grow up with the same opportunities as all other Australian kids.
“Whilst I’ll never forget where I came from, I am very excited to be able to tell everyone I’m an Aussie.”
Upper Lachlan Shire Council Mayor Brian McCormack OAM congratulated Mrs Hattam and Namphone on becoming Australian citizens.