GRANT District Council has welcomed its newest citizen Diana Roberts with a ceremony held at the council chambers this week.
Originally hailing from India, Ms Roberts split her life between there and North America before ultimately deciding Australia would be her home.
“I wanted to find a place I could put down roots after moving around so much,” Ms Roberts said.
“Some family of mine live in Australia so I knew it was a great place to be.
“I eventually met my now husband here as well, which really made the country home.”
Ms Roberts and her husband were living in Sydney, but looking for a place with a less hectic lifestyle.
“We had actually travelled through Mount Gambier and loved the country atmosphere,” Ms Roberts said.
“Being able to live somewhere with fresh air and a more relaxed feel was a huge positive for us in addition to how affordable the area is.
“Since moving here we have been made to feel like we are just part of the community and we feel so lucky to be.”
Ms Roberts said she was grateful to have had the opportunity to now become an Australian citizen.
“It is such a valuable thing to finally become a citizen here,” she said.
“Australia is my home and now I am able to receive the same benefits my husband can, like voting in elections.”
Grant District Mayor Richard Sage was pleased to celebrate the occasion.
“Australia is such a diverse country,” he said.
“New citizens bring so much to the table, whether it be music, food or other cultural aspects, there is always something new we can learn from others.
“We would not be the country we are today without the people that create the multicultural tapestry that is Australia.”
