Arriving in Australia in April 2006 from the coal mining town of Tonypandy in the Rhondda Valley, South Wales, Jamie and his Australian fiancée, Angie Graham, decided Western Australia was the place to settle and eventually raise a family.

Having a good technical background, Jamie had no problems finding work.

He was happy to take work outside his normal form of employment just to get used to working in Australia.

“Australia is just awesome,” Jamie said.

“I love the vastness of the continent and the climate. I am an avid outdoor person who loves his fishing, snorkelling and camping, four-wheel driving and the socialising with friends at a barbecue or beer garden.

“Where else in the world could you possibly want to live?

“Our plans for the future were to build a home on a good size block where we could enjoy the gardens and space and then get married ... we were employed by a large iron ore producer in the Pilbara.

“Now, after three years up north and lots of looking for land, we have finally built our home in Bridgetown, a beautiful part of the South West and life is just great.

“We really enjoy the peacefulness of the area. Everyone is so friendly and helpful and we can see that this would be a great area to raise children. There are good community services and endless things to do and explore for ourselves and our children as they are growing up,” Jamie said with a smile.

Jamie was able apply for citizenship after two years as a permanent resident.“I wanted to become part of the Australian community and, after passing the citizenship test, was informed that my citizenship ceremony was on Australia Day 2010,” he said. “This is the final step and what a perfect day to complete it.

“There will be a few celebrations after this one.

“I am going to spend the day with Angie and friends having a barbecue and getting into the spirit of things.” Jamie said.