ALBURY-Wodonga will welcome more than 44 new Australian citizens at ceremonies across the twin cities today.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Berta Laubli, of Switzerland, first came to Wodonga in 1979 with her husband.
“My husband got a job in Wodonga all those years ago and we are still here,” Mrs Laubli said.
“We were going to travel the world but we didn’t get very far.”
“One of our favourite places in the world is at Noreuil Park, it's one of the things that has kept me here.”
Mrs Laubli said she chose to become a citizen after 36 years after she lost a bet.
“I decided to become an Australian citizen so I could vote," she said.
“When Cathy McGowan put her name up I said if she ever gets in, I’ll become a citizen so I can give her an extra vote. She may need it now.”
South African Mark Hellberg landed in Melbourne the day after Australia Day in 2011 for a job in forestry machinery sales.
“I came over mostly for work purposes, although my brother, sister and parents also live here now,” he said.
“Out of all the places I’ve been, I think Australia is the best," Mr Hellberg said.
“The people are so friendly and the lifestyle is great.”
Mr Hellberg said he plans to celebrate his first day as an Australian citizen with some friends and a few beers down at the pub.
