When Wolfgang Reinhard arrived in Australia in 1982, he was a fresh-faced German backpacker with no plans to stay. But fate had other ideas. 

Just three weeks after his arrival, he met Josephine, the woman who would become his wife. That meeting changed the course of his life. 

Now, 43 years later, Wolfgang has finally become an Australian citizen. But not in the way anyone expected.

Wolfgang was supposed to attend his citizenship ceremony at Jamberoo on Australia Day, but instead found himself in the ICU at St Vincent's Hospital, battling a severe blood infection. Determined that Wolfgang would not miss this milestone, Josephine launched a behind-the-scenes campaign to move the ceremony to the hospital. 

With support from their doctor, Gilmour MP Fiona Phillips' office, Kiama Council, and hospital staff, the impossible became possible. On 23 January, just days before the official ceremony, Wolfgang was granted his Australian citizenship via a Zoom call from his hospital bed. The room was decorated with an Australian flag, and nurses celebrated with lamingtons, an unexpected but deeply moving moment for Wolfgang and everyone involved.

Wolfgang was granted his Australian citizenship via a Zoom call from his hospital bed.

Wolfgang's Australian journey began with adventure. Born in Munich, he grew up skiing and exploring the world. In the early 1980s, he embarked on a backpacking trip through Asia, with Australia as his final destination. He never intended to stay, but a job in a ski warehouse in Sydney changed everything.

Josephine, his future wife, was his boss at the warehouse. In a clever bit of matchmaking, she placed him on the lunch roster with her and none of the other women. A romance blossomed, and the couple went on to build a life together, filled with travel, career success, and a deep love for Australia.

Once Wolfgang decided to stay, he had to rebuild his career. With German qualifications that weren't immediately recognised in Australia, he took matters into his own hands. He went through the yellow pages, calling every German company in Australia until he landed a role at Krupp, a major engineering firm. From there, he quickly rose through the ranks, proving himself in the highly competitive field of mining and quarrying machinery.

By the late 1990s, Wolfgang had built his own successful business Ground Tec Equipment, manufacturing specialised rock-cutting machines. He employed a diverse team, including refugees and workers from various cultural backgrounds, creating a workplace that was like “the United Nations.” His business thrived and three years ago, a French company made him an offer to buy it, the perfect timing for retirement.

After years of city life, Wolfgang and Josephine moved to the South Coast, first to Berry and then to Kiama. They immersed themselves in the local community, working on bush regeneration projects and participating in the Royal Flying Doctor Service fundraising treks. Their love for Australia is evident in their extensive travels across the country, from the Kimberley to the Outback, long before these destinations became tourist hotspots.

For Wolfgang, becoming an Australian citizen was about more than just paperwork. Despite his deep ties to Germany, he felt more Australian than German.

The change in German laws allowing dual citizenship was the push he needed, but the decision was made from the heart. His story is one of love, perseverance, and the unwavering belief that home is not just where you were born, it's where you choose to belong.