Mrs Pirrottina migrated to Leeton with her family in 1950 when she was just 12 years-old.

She was excited to start a new life in Australia and said she never could have guessed where that first boat voyage to the "lucky country" would end up.

This year marks 65 years since that journey.

In that time, Mrs Pirrottina has build an impressive life in the town she now calls her home.

However, it hasn't all been smooth sailing.

"When we first got here (to Leeton) and were on our uncle's farm, you would wake up and see nothing," Mrs Pirrottina said.

"But you learn to get on with it ... we've been very successful and had some big achievements."

When Mrs Pirrottina first started school in Leeton, she didn't much enjoy the experience.

"The Australians weren't very accepting to start off with and I couldn't speak any English.

"It was only when we had a little store set up on Brobenah Road selling fruit and vegetables that I started to learn (English) better," Mrs Pirrottina said. 

In 1960, Mrs Pirrottina married her husband Sam and the pair went on to have five children - Elley, Rocky, Melina, Anthony and Frank.

They have eight grandchildren.

"We worked very hard to get to where we are today ... everything is very nice," Mrs Pirrottina said.

"We have a lovely home and a lovely family ... what more could you want?

"Why would you want to leave Leeton for a 'better' place to live when Leeton already is better?"

Mrs Pirrottina believes the Italian migrants who settled in Leeton not only helped to build and develop the Riverina settlement in its early years, but without them the town wouldn't be the place it is today.

"We are very proud of what we have achieved," Mrs Pirrottina said.

Mrs Pirrottina remains an active member of the Leeton community and she enjoys an involvement with various groups and organisations in the area. 

"I wouldn't want to be anywhere else ... I love Leeton," she said.