Ms Coughlan is one of two residents being formally naturalised by Upper Hunter Shire mayor Lee Watts today in Scone as part of the official Australia Day ceremony.

In August 2003 Ms Coughlan moved to Ellerston from England to work as a polo groom on the famous property of the late Kerry Packer.

Enjoying her work and the Upper Hunter, when it was suggested she apply for her residency in 2005 she willingly committed.

Since then Ms Coughlan and her partner Neil Craig, who also works as a young horse trainer on the leading polo property, have started a family with two-year-old Katelyn.

Born in Zimbabwe and with a British passport due to her ancestry, Ms Coughlan is proud to say this is the longest time she has ever lived in one country and she doesn’t plan to leave any time soon.

“As a child we moved all the time, I went to nine schools in eight different countries,” Ms Coughlan said.

“I wanted to become a citizen so I have the same passport as my daughter.

“I feel like I belong here, I’ve got a home now, here at Ellerston and in Australia.”

Ms Coughlan said she felt excited about today’s ceremony.

“I could have done it another month, but we thought we’d wait to Australia Day and make it a bit special and fun.”

Former Scone resident Zanqin Shi will travel back from Sydney today to be naturalised.

Originally from China, Mrs Shi and her husband moved to Australia in September 2006.

Although she has moved to Sydney to work as a beautician, Mrs Shi’s husband still lives in Scone.

Mrs Shi said she was excited about becoming an Australian citizen as they want to stay in Australia for their future.