She was there to take the oath of citizenship, along with 24 other people from 10 different countries. It was one of the largest contingents in local Australia Day ceremonies.

"I'm very excited about today," Zenat told The Post as she wandered around the Seiffert Oval activities with husband Reza Galib and child, Liyana.

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The couple came to the country from Bangladesh five years ago. They firstly settled in Perth but moved to Goulburn one year ago when Reza secured a civil engineering position with Divall's Earthmoving and Bulk Haulage.

They've since built a house and had a child, Liyana, now one-year-old.

"We are more than happy to be here partly because of Australia's handling of the COVID-19 situation. It is far better for us," Zenat said.

The couple firstly considered immigrating to Canada but were lured here by family, friends and the weather. They have since applied for permanent residency. Reza became an Australian citizen in an online ceremony six months ago.

"We do miss our family but here we know that if ever we need anything, people will be there. I find Goulburn more friendly than a lot of other places," Zenat said.

Reza told The Post he simply loved Australia.

Meantime, Gurjant Singh and wife Sharanjeet Kaur Jhaji and their six-year-old son Fateh Singh Anttal, all from India, also took the oath.

Gurjant came to Australia 13 years ago and met his wife while working in Queensland. They moved to Goulburn seven years ago where their son was born.

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Gurjant manages La Casa restaurant while Sharanjeet works for Aviagen.

"Goulburn is the best country town, with easy access to Sydney and Canberra," he said.

"The people here are lovely and I think this is the best country in the world. I've been here 13 years and I've never had a problem with discrimination. I love this place and it's really special to become a citizen."

Englishman David Weaver was also thrilled with his citizenship, while five members of the Paturel family from France, now firmly ensconced in the community, proudly clutched their certificates.

Hume MP Angus Taylor delivered a message from Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Alex Hawke, and said it was important the new citizens contributed to the community.

"I know you will," he said.

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One Nation NSW Upper House member and Goulburn man Rod Roberts was effusive in his praise for the city.

"Welcome to the best city, the best state and the best country in the world," he told the new citizens.

Mayor Bob Kirk led the group in the oath or affirmation.

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