TAMWORTH is building on its reputation as a regional hub for migrants seeking citizenship.
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This week, 16 new Australians were sworn-in at a ceremony in the city from places including Brazil, Sri Lanka, China and Bangladesh. Many of whom came to the country with little English and no family support.
So what is it which draws them to Tamworth and what is it that convinces them to stay?
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Sakunthala Kasthurirathna and Rukshan Sivadalan from Sri Lanka, known as Kas and Shon to their Australian friends, described the day they became citizens as a "precious moment" in their lives.
"We have been to almost all of the countries in the world, but we find that Australia is the best country to live," Mr Sivadalan said.
"Our parents wanted us to leave [Sri Lanka] because of the instability in the country," his partner added.
Both working as nurses at Tamworth hospital, they said the quiet life in the country was a big draw and the community had been very welcoming.
Giovani Gallo moved to Australia from Brazil seven years ago and said Tamworth reminds him of his home town.
"When I first arrived I couldn't speak English, so I went from not knowing anybody and not knowing the language to being able to be accepted no matter what, and to become an Australian citizen is a great privilege," he said.