Parents Shilpa Aneja and Yash Pal were among the 81 new Australians welcomed at the City of Playford’s Citizenship Ceremony last month.

The couple moved to South Australia five years ago from Punjab, India, before spending about seven months in the small mid-north town of Jamestown, where Shilpa worked in aged care.

“The residents [in the aged care home] taught me so many things like Australian slang and country sayings,” Shilpa laughed.

One of Shilpa's colleagues even encouraged her to try a toasted sandwich filled with baked beans. Although she wasn’t too sure about that strange combination, she "really likes Vegemite."

After their time living in the country, the pair decided to settle down and start to raise a family in Davoren Park. Their beautiful baby girl Amber, who was due this August, made an early appearance in July to see her parents become Australian citizens.

The young family are looking forward to visiting relatives for the festival season in Punjab next month. They are also in the property market looking to purchase their first home together.

City of Playford Mayor Glenn Docherty conducts citizenship ceremonies throughout the year.

“Seeing our residents become Australian citizens is a memorable occasion for not just the conferees, but their families and friends here at the City of Playford,” the Mayor said.

“I have conferred almost 5,000 residents during my time as Mayor, and the ceremonies, while a  formalised process, are always poignant and joyous occasions.”

This year marks the 75th anniversary of Australian Citizenship.

“Welcoming new citizens strengthens and unites our community,” the Mayor said. “Our most recent ceremony provided the chance to celebrate the great cultural diversity of our community and the commitment conferees, like Shilpa and Yash have made to being part of Playford’s future.”

Council has welcomed more than 500 new Australian citizens over the last twelve months.