After 26 years of calling our sunburnt country ‘home’, Coonamble local Lorna Lefebvre has officially been declared an Australian citizen.
Last Friday 10 July, Lorna was joined by her immediate family to witness her citizenship ceremony at the Coonamble Shire Council.
Mayor Danny Keady had the honour of leading Lorna through the Australian citizenship pledge before gifting her a beautiful bunch of native Australian flowers.
When given the chance to speak Lorna claimed she was more emotional than she expected to be.
“Australia is my home,” she said.
Lorna came from her home in Brechin, Scotland to Sydney Australia in 2002 whilst travelling.
She absolutely loved Sydney and was keen to explore more of Australia when her friend invited her to the Come By Chance races where she met her future husband Fergus.
Lorna returned to the UK for 6 months shortly after the races as her Visa had run out.
Once returning to Australia she came to Coonamble to be with Ferg.
They celebrated their 20 year anniversary just a few weeks ago.
“I loved coming to Coonamble,” Lorna said.
“It was a nice change compared to the cold climate of the UK.
“Everyone was very welcoming.”
Lorna loves her life in Australia, particularly the community of Coonamble.
“We’re so lucky with the friends and community we have.
“Everyone helps each other,” she said.
Lorna says she still hasn’t fully adjusted to the hot summers of Coonamble.
“I still struggle with the summers,” she said.
“Forty degrees is too hot.”
At the end of her citizenship ceremony the Australian National Anthem was played and sung by those at the ceremony.
Lorna said she was absolutely thrilled and keen to celebrate with friends and family.
The celebrations continued into the night as Lorna hosted her Aussie party at “Nardoo” with many close mates who travelled near and far for the celebration.
The newly official Australian dressed as the legendary Dame Edna while others threw on their best green and gold costumes for the Aussie themed night.
Congratulations Lorna, Australia is lucky to have you!