More than 200 people ate Karen food and watched a traditional dancing performance on Wednesday night.

Children and parents who were born in refugee camps waved Australian flags freely.

Nhill's Sing Australia choir swelled with new Karen members to belt out a proud version of The Seekers' I Am Australian.

The final verse was sung in Karen by all choir members, prompting a Karen woman to excitedly remark: 'that's my language'.

Hindmarsh chief executive Tony Doyle, who along with other council employees had been learning the language, gave a speech in Karen.

Karen community leader Moo Moo spoke about how grateful people were for their new lives in Nhill.

Karen refugee Lah Doh Say moved to Nhill two years ago.

He said being surrounded by farming in the Wimmera reminded him of home.

"I like living in Nhill because of all the farms around the town," he said.

"In our country, in every small village farms are everywhere like this."

He said living in Australia gave him freedom.

"We never have to worry about anything - nothing can hurt me," he said.

Doh Ta Gay, like many of the Karen population, works at Luv-A-Duck.

He said he loved his life at Nhill and was proud to become an Australian citizen.

"I like the nice weather and I meet with really nice people," he said.

He said he enjoyed the safety and security of Nhill.

"It's much better here because where we were living there are always killings," he said.

"We don't have to be afraid of anything and we have freedom."

Turn Ner Kae Kae Tee Klu, his wife Christina Aye and their four children Taw Ner Soe, Kathria, Mar Ner Soe and Easter Paw became Australian citizens.

Through a translator, Mr Tee Klu told the Mail-Times he had been given a new life in Australia.

Asked how he felt about raising his family in Nhill he said: 'just happy'.

Taw Ner Soe Tee Klu, 12, came to Australia in 2009.

"I play soccer and I joined the football and tennis clubs," he said.

"At school we have a lot of subjects and I have a lot of friends there."