Three Cobar residents, one of whom has been living in Cobar for almost 50 years, were naturalised as part of yesterday’s Australia Day celebrations.
Elaine Jermyn, who is Scottish born, came to Australia with her family when she was 17. (Her father came out to sink the first shaft at the Chesney Mine.)
Elaine said she thought it was “about time” she became an Australian.
“I didn’t have to before because I married an Aussie and had Aussie kids,” she said.
“Then I discovered once you turn 60 you don’t have to do the exam. I failed twice online, they asked me cricket questions!”
Cobar Primary Health Care Centre’s practice manager and well-known local cricketer, Tarun Bheemireddy, came to Australia from India in 2015 to finish his studies in Health Science. After completing his Masters the following year Tarun then moved to Cobar to work.
He said it was our great educational system and having one of the best health care system’s in the world that attracted him to Australia.
Tarun said living in Australia and Cobar had helped to shape his professional career.
“It’s one country that understands freedom of speech, has respect for humanity and no room for racism beliefs,” Tarun said.
When questioned about whether he supports the Australian or Indian cricket teams, Tarun diplomatically replied, “May the best team deserve to win!”
Robin Solman, who hails from Utah in the United States, was surprised at how emotional she was during yesterday’s service.
Robin has lived in Australia for almost 18 years and only moved to Cobar last year with her Australian husband Peter for work.
“We have lived all over Australia and we just think Cobar is the best,” she said.
“Everyone is just so friendly and welcoming, we love Cobar!”
