FIFTEEN new Australian citizens were welcomed at a special ceremony at the Mossman Shire Hall today.

Individuals from Singapore, France, Germany, New Zealand, United Kingdom and Thailand were formally handed Australian Citizenships and will add to the multicultural flavour of the Douglas Shire.

According to the Australia Bureau of Statistics, around 20 per cent of Douglas residents were born overseas, with the UK, New Zealand, Germany and the USA having the strongest representation.

Mayor Julia Leu said new residents inject richness and build on the Shire’s diversity. 

“Our region is at the envy of the world,” she said.

“Douglas Shire Council has always championed diversity and multiculturalism, which is why so many people from across the globe come to our region and fit seamlessly into our community.”