Rashid Samad, originally from India, has called Wagga home for the past five years.
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But on Australia Day, Mr Samad, a nurse at Wagga Base Hospital, will officially become an Australian citizen.
“I love the people here, I love my colleagues – Wagga is a beautiful place to stay,” Mr Samad said.
“I love everything about it.
“There are more opportunities and it is a great place to raise children.”
Mr Samad’s parents are back in India but his brother is based in Melbourne.
He said it was particularly special that his ceremony fell on Australia Day.
“It is going to be such a beautiful ceremony down at Wagga Beach,” Mr Samad said.
“It is so important to recognise the history and the culture of Australia.”
