The Hawks Nest couple, who originate from England, were set to become Australian citizens on the weekend.

The pair joined 16 other Great Lakes residents in a naturalisation ceremony in Forster on Australia Day.

"We're really excited and we will probably have a barbecue to celebrate," Mr Fortnum said.

Mr Fortnum came to Australia in 2007 to work for a charity fund-raiser and liked it so much he stayed.

"I'd heard so much good stuff about Australia," he said.

"So I thought I'd just come over see what happened."

Ms Cawte joined him and the pair lived in Sydney for a few years before falling in love with Hawks Nest.

"We used to come up to visit on weekends but we liked it so much we thought let's see if we can have a base here," Mr Fortnum said.

They both enjoyed the "community aspect" of Tea Gardens Hawks Nest.

"It's so active," Mr Fortnum said.

Other Great Lakes residents being naturalised came from the Philippines, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Ecuador and India.

Great Lakes mayor Jan McWilliams said this year marked the 65th year of Australian citizenship.

"There has never been a better time to celebrate the spirit and diversity of our country," she said.