Right in the thick of things at the Inverell Shire Council, she’s always a helpful source of information for the editor of the Inverell Times, who is lucky enough to call her a friend. 

The only thing that sets Cecilia apart from her counterparts is an ever-so-slight hispanic accent, her latin good looks and her culinary abilities when it comes to Mexican cuisine.

In all other respects, she is a “local” with a passion for the town. 

And though she came to Inverell for love in 1993, she stayed because she loves it and swears that it is the ideal place to have a family and raise her four beautiful kids – two of which have already left the family nest to pursue their own lives. 

Her loving and affectionate Mexican nature has resonated well with the town and Cecilia has been welcomed. With a big smile on her face and an optimistic nature, our out-of-towner of the week has made the most of life here and hasn’t looked back to life in festive Mexico.  

As a person who knows two countries, this is what Cecilia has to say about Inverell and Mexico, too.

I was born... and raised in Mexico City.

I came to Inverell… because I met someone and followed him here.

What I miss most from home is… my family and friends, the Mexican food and the music that is such an important part of our culture. I really miss it as well as the party atmosphere. It is so nice to go to a friend’s house for dinner and to always end up listing to music and dancing. I also really missed dancing to Latin music.

What I love most about Inverell is… the people are always so friendly and helpful. I love the fact that it is a very safe town to raise a family. And I love the amazing sense of community when someone is in any kind of trouble or simply needs help. The Inverell community always works together to help and I think that is extraordinary.

What can the rest of the world learn from the people of Inverell? I think the rest of the world can learn from the kindness of the people of Inverell and that we can do anything if we all work together as a unit. Inverell’s people have demonstrated how we can all help each other when we are in need. Over the years I have seen so many fundraisers held for so many different things… for families with a very sick child, people that have lost their home in a fire, and of course all the cancer council fundraisers and more. So many times, the community of Inverell has come together to help anyone that needs it. 

The biggest surprise about living here… is that even though it is a small town we have all we need, and also that if you like to be involved there is more than plenty to do. 

When friends come to visit me… we go to Copeton Dam, Green Valley farm if they have children, Lake Inverell for a walk and kayaking, and we have also been fossicking for sapphires. 

In my free time, I… usually spend time by taking my children to sporting events like soccer carnivals and netball events in other towns. I also love spending time with my friends. I go to the gym and like bike riding, and I also do a little bit of quilting. And I love the movies. 

Something most people don’t know about me is… that my mum is actually from Cuba so that makes me half Cuban and half Mexican. 

Inverell is a true blue Aussie town with a cosmopolitan flair. A hospitable place, it has welcomed people from all over the world. Foreigners benefit from the friendliness of locals, and soon feel at home in this cosy, friendly corner of the world with a vibe like no other. If you know of an out-of-towner with a story to share, please send your proposal to mary.sinanidis@fairfaxmedia.com.au