Council welcomes new Australia Citizen, Kumar Panchal
Charisse Edwards
Phone: 1300 007 662
Email: charissee@maranoa.qld.gov.au
Mr Kumar Panchal attended the Maranoa Regional Council General Meeting in Roma yesterday, where Mayor Robert Loughnan performed an Australian Citizenship Ceremony to grant Mr Panchal his Australian Citizenship.
Cr Loughnan officially welcomed everyone, including the Federal Member for Maranoa, the Hon Bruce Scott MP, who attended the ceremony to celebrate the conferring of Australian Citizenship for Kumar Panchal.
Mr Panchal was well supported by his wife, Shraddha, employer, Kym Murphy from Roadtek, friend and colleague’s wife, Deepti Arya with her children, and a few fellow Roadtek work colleagues, who were all in attendance. Mr Panchal travelled to Australia, from India, five years ago to work as an engineer with Roadtek. Ms Panchal, now a permanent resident, followed three years later to join her husband and work at Freckles (formerly Big Bears, Baby Bears) Creative Learning Centre.
Cr Loughnan read a message from the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, who expressed congratulations on behalf of the Australian Government, offered his warmest congratulations, welcomed Mr Panchal to the Australian family, and wished him all the best for the years ahead.
Mr Panchal spoke of his move to Australia and the differences he noticed after living here for one year, “the big difference is living style, life style and how people are treated here, the value people are given is really amazing.” Reflecting on his thoughts of becoming an Australian Citizen and staying in this country permanently, “I am very proud to be an Australia Citizen” he said.
The ceremony concluded with the national anthem, followed by a small presentation by the Hon Bruce Scott who added his congratulations to Mr Panchal on becoming an Australia Citizen, “(his) commitment to living in a rural community inspires me,” said Mr Scott.
The Panchal’s plan to keep living in Roma, and Ms Panchal will apply for her Australian Citizenship when eligible in approximately 2 years.
Hon Bruce Scott, Deepti Arya with sons Dishita and Vanshaj, Shraddha and Kumar Panchal and Mayor Robert Lougnan. -END-