MANILLA and Barraba have a self-evident connection.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
But over of the last six years, Barraba has built a forged a relationship with Manila, Philippines.
Daina Flores moved to the small rural community six years ago from Manila, the most densely populated city on earth.
READ MORE:
It took some time to adjust to a quieter life in the country with her mother and cousin, but her time there has been hectic.
She manages the Barraba motel and also works as a kitchen-hand at the RSL.
It has just been "work, work, work".
She officially became a citizen on Tuesday after many years as a resident.
But there was a moment recently when it all became real.
"When I first did my citizenship test, I cried," she said.
"I spent all night for a month studying and learning everything about Australia and the history
"When I passed I got the perfect score, I cried because all of my effort paid off.
"This is my life now."
Ms Flores joined 29 another people who took the citizenship oath in Tamworth this week.
The contingent sworn-in on Australian Citizenship day included 21 people from the Philippines.
The group also included migrants from India, China, Iran, Scotland and Zimbabwe.
Mayor Col Murray said it was important for the city to be welcoming to all.
He acknowledged most of the city's growth was a result of a thriving multicultural community.
"I would argue the number of migrants choosing to make Tamworth home is very much reflective of the work Multicultural Tamworth do," he said.
"I think that is part of the DNA of Tamworth and I'm very proud to say it is a welcoming city."
Next month, Tamworth will host its annual Fiesta La Peel event which celebrates multicultural diversity in the region through food and art.