She and her daughter were granted their citizenship last week and the pair has no plans of leaving.

The gym instructor said she moved to Whyalla after getting married and her husband scored a job at OneSteel.

Recalling her first impression of Whyalla she said she was shocked.

"The isolation, especially the drive from Adelaide and the lack of shops shocked me at first," Mrs Fiedler said.

"Whyalla has changed very quickly and I must say that the friendliness of the people here can make anyone feel at home.

"I love Whyalla and the lifestyle and have not thought of moving or settling anywhere else."

Mrs Fiedler tries to return to England every couple of years for a visit but it is Whyalla where her heart belongs.

She said life is relaxed here and she is happy that her family decided to settle in Whyalla.