Stephanie Karst-McGrath, of Menai, was first attracted to Australia when she was a schoolgirl in Germany.
At the age of 12, “before the internet, when penfriends were cool”, she began corresponding with a girl, who lived on the Gold Coast.
In 1988, when she was 19, Ms Karst-McGrath visited her penfriend, instantly “fell in love” with Australia and decided to make it home.
In 1995, she arrived to carve out a new life.
On Australia Day, Ms Karst-McGrath will pledge allegiance to her adopted country at a citizenship ceremony in Sutherland Entertainment Centre.
“I have waited 31 years for this day, and it will be very special for me,” she said.
Ms Karst-McGrath said she would have liked to have become an Australian citizen immediately, but Germany did not generally allow dual citizenship and it was a very lengthy and complex task gaining approval.
“I wanted to retain German citizenship because I have a wonderful family and strong ties in Germany, and also because of my work in the travel industry,” she said.
“I am grateful with all my heart to belong to two beautiful countries.
”My feeling of patriotism for Australia is very strong and I never question whether I can serve two countries.”
Ms Karst-McGrath operates an inbound tourism company, “where I sell my passion for Australia”.
In 2007, she married Chris, who was a neighbour in an apartment block at Cronulla, and became stepmother to his three adult children.
