Among them will be Sarah-Jane Kelly, originally from Wales.

The 12 other residents who will become Australian citizens today are from nine different countries, including Pakistan, the United Kingdom, India, Italy, Sudan, New Zealand, Afghanistan and the Philippines.

Ms Kelly migrated along with her family almost 30 years ago and has since been more than happy in Australia.

“It will be 30 years here in May, I’m not sure why I haven’t become an Australian citizen sooner,” she said.

“My parents migrated here to Mildura from Wales due to my father’s new job as a psychiatric nurse at Russell House.

“My parents wanted the Australian lifestyle for us kids – my two brothers, myself and my sister – compared to the UK living.

“Everything in the UK is so tiny and packed together, I’m still blown away by how my grandmother raised five children in the house she lives in now which is the same size as my parents’ billiard room.

“There are no side windows, only front and back.

“I went back to Wales six years ago only for six months and couldn’t wait to get back.”

For more of this story, purchase your copy of Thursday's Sunraysia Daily 26/1/2012.