Irene Gleeson cheered her three friends Stephy Joseph, Ligin Kuzhikandathil and Tomy Jose through the citizenship ceremony.

“We all met through the Catholic church at Moruya. When they celebrated various festivals, they would invite me along to share aspects of their culture,” Ms Gleeson said.

When all her friends got married, Stephy lived for a while with Ms Gleeson, who also helped Stephy with paperwork and bonafides to get her husband to Australia.

“Now Stephy and her husband are my neighbours. I have become a bit of a connoisseur of what cooking smells waft over the fence,” Ms Gleeson said.

Gavin and Avril Mackay, who hail from Scotland, also pledged citizenship. Since arriving, the Catalina couple have added to their number with baby Rory. 

“We love the maternity ward at Moruya. The staff were brilliant,” Gavin said.

More than good hospital staff attracted the couple to become citizens. I like the laid back attitudes here in Australia. The weather is awesome but the people are brilliant”.

“We love that you can finish work and in a few minutes you are strolling along the beach.”

The Mackays weren’t the only ones pointing out Australia’s advantages. Megan Childress has been in the country for five years: Melbourne, Hobart and now Narooma.

“I came to Australia with a boyfriend,” Ms Childress said.

“Now an ex boyfriend - I got a better one. Which is why I now live in Narooma.”

Ms Childress is from North Carolina, so the Bay Post/Moruya Examiner took the opportunity to canvas her thoughts on Trump.

“Its just embarrassing,” Ms Childress said.

“I feel like it has really separated the country over there. I think anyone who is not a fan of Trump just can’t believe we ever ended up in this position.”

While Ms Childress said she did not miss the US, she did miss family and friends. However, “Australia has a more relaxed culture and a better way of life. You have healthcare and decent wages. You can make a decent living waiting tables here – in the US you get $2.13 an hour and having to work for tips to survive”.

“We walk our dog and we get to go surfing after work – what more do you want.”