Meet the Maranoa's newest citizens

A citizenship ceremony in Roma was a happy occasion for families who are proud to call the region home.

WELCOME HOME: Marx, Xara and Anna Cruzat with Janawi RD, Seshvar Rubeshkumar and Rubeshkumar Pushparaj. Picture: Jorja McDonnell

BECOMING an Australian citizen is a dream come true for Anna Cruzat.

She has lived, worked and raised her family in Roma for the past ten years, and on Wednesday finally had the chance to take her oath in front of her family, friends and eight other new Australians in the town she loves.

"Since we came to Australia from the Philippines, I've not lived anywhere else but Roma,” Mrs Cruzat said.

"My husband and I have always loved it here - we like the gentle nature of the people, they are very warm and welcoming.

"We have raised our daughter, and she's met a lot of good friends along the way.”

Anna's husband Marx and daughter Xara had both received their citizenship in 2016, so to finally become a citizen herself was a momentous occasion.

"This is long overdue for me,” Mrs Cruzat said.

"I have been here in Roma since early 2009, so this year marks my ten years here.

"It may have been a long time, but it is worth the wait.”

Beside the Cruzats, the Pushparaj family were also celebrating, as patriarch Rubeshkumar received his citizenship.

Rubesh and his wife Janawi hail from southern India, and have made Roma their home for nearly six years. They celebrated the birth of their son Seshvar soon after moving to town.

Mr Pushparaj said it is the lifestyle which has kept them in the Maranoa.

"I started out with a job in Adelaide before we arrived in Roma,” he said.

"In the city we felt everyone was too busy, but here people are much more relaxed.

"There is a sense of community in Roma and we feel like we have been welcomed by everybody.”