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For more than 16,000 people, this Australia Day has been especially significant - because they officially became Australian.
For Miguel Gonzalez-Carranza, 39, from Venezuela, it was not only the culmination of six years of waiting, but a poignant moment amid the political turmoil going on in his home country.
Along with partner Gabriela and daughter Camila, six, the illustrator became a citizen at a ceremony on Sydney’s northern beaches.
Miguel Gonzalez-Carranza will get citizenship today with partner Gabriela and daughter Camila also becoming Aussie. The family even brought dog Elvis over to Sydney with them. (Supplied)
He originally followed his two sisters to Australia, seeking a better lifestyle for his family.
LIVE BLOG: AUSTRALIA DAY 2019
“It doesn’t matter how good or bad things are back home, we wanted to give it a try and change our way of living,” he said.
“Right now what’s happening today is shocking. After 20 years there’s this hope in the air that there is change coming - but regardless, we’re here.
“We have a daughter who can run free on the beaches, in the playground - it’s been a while since we’ve been able to do that back home.”
Today also marks 70 years since the introduction of Australian citizenship into law. Before then, there was no legal status as an Australian citizen. (AAP)
A total of 16,212 people became citizens today from 146 countries.
They were given the official status at 365 ceremonies across Australia.
Brits are one of the most common nationalities to apply for citizenship, for which all residents must meet strict criteria, including passing a test on Australia and its values, then taking part in a ceremony, which includes pledging an affirmation.
Hanna Giugni, 31, who lives in Western Sydney and is originally from Devon in south west England, is one of Australia's newest citizens. (Supplied)
Social worker Hanna Giugni, 31, who lives in Sydney's west and is originally from Devon in south west England, was one of them.
After almost six years in the country, and a two-year wait to get her citizenship, she became a citizen at Australia’s biggest ceremony, at Parramatta Park.
A total of 1500 new citizens were granted the status there today.
Hanna Giugni was one of 1500 new citizens granted the status at Parramatta Park today. Hanna Giugni was one of 1500 new citizens granted the status at Parramatta Park today. (Supplied)
"I actually got a little bit emotional," she said after receiving her citizenship certificate.
"It was when we were singing the national anthem that I shed a little tear.
"I feel like I belong now and can contribute and be a part of what happens in the country I'm living in."
Like many Europeans, she first came to the country on a working holiday visa with a backpack - and never left.
Last year she married an Australian, but said she always planned to stay.
“I’m excited for the stability I feel like it’ll bring. There’s nothing like feeling you’re one policy change away from being sent home,” she said.
“I really enjoy that you can get out and about and be active, even with a stressful job you can go for a bike ride or a walk
Last year more than 80,000 people became Australian citizens.
Canberra held a citizenship ceremony with Prime Minister Scott Morrison in attendance. (AAP)
That included almost 18,000 people from India, 14,000 Brits, almost 5000 Filipinos, more than 3500 South Africans, and just over 2500 Irish.
South Koreans, Malaysians, New Zealanders and Chinese also made up the bulk of last year’s new citizens.
Today also marks 70 years since the introduction of Australian citizenship into law.
Before then, there was no legal status as an Australian citizen. Most people in Australia were considered to be British subjects.
Since 1949, Australia has welcomed over five million new citizens from more than 200 nations.
Today marks 70 years since the introduction of Australian citizenship into law.
Before that, there was no legal status as an Australian citizen. Most people in Australia were considered to be British subjects.
© Nine Digital Pty Ltd 2019
https://www.9news.com.au/2019/01/25/11/38/australia-day-2019-citizenship-ceremony-new-citizens
For Miguel Gonzalez-Carranza, 39, from Venezuela, it was not only the culmination of six years of waiting, but a poignant moment amid the political turmoil going on in his home country.
Along with partner Gabriela and daughter Camila, six, the illustrator became a citizen at a ceremony on Sydney’s northern beaches.
Miguel Gonzalez-Carranza will get citizenship today with partner Gabriela and daughter Camila also becoming Aussie. The family even brought dog Elvis over to Sydney with them. (Supplied)
He originally followed his two sisters to Australia, seeking a better lifestyle for his family.
LIVE BLOG: AUSTRALIA DAY 2019
“It doesn’t matter how good or bad things are back home, we wanted to give it a try and change our way of living,” he said.
“Right now what’s happening today is shocking. After 20 years there’s this hope in the air that there is change coming - but regardless, we’re here.
“We have a daughter who can run free on the beaches, in the playground - it’s been a while since we’ve been able to do that back home.”
Today also marks 70 years since the introduction of Australian citizenship into law. Before then, there was no legal status as an Australian citizen. (AAP)
A total of 16,212 people became citizens today from 146 countries.
They were given the official status at 365 ceremonies across Australia.
Brits are one of the most common nationalities to apply for citizenship, for which all residents must meet strict criteria, including passing a test on Australia and its values, then taking part in a ceremony, which includes pledging an affirmation.
Hanna Giugni, 31, who lives in Western Sydney and is originally from Devon in south west England, is one of Australia's newest citizens. (Supplied)
Social worker Hanna Giugni, 31, who lives in Sydney's west and is originally from Devon in south west England, was one of them.
After almost six years in the country, and a two-year wait to get her citizenship, she became a citizen at Australia’s biggest ceremony, at Parramatta Park.
A total of 1500 new citizens were granted the status there today.
Hanna Giugni was one of 1500 new citizens granted the status at Parramatta Park today. Hanna Giugni was one of 1500 new citizens granted the status at Parramatta Park today. (Supplied)
"I actually got a little bit emotional," she said after receiving her citizenship certificate.
"It was when we were singing the national anthem that I shed a little tear.
"I feel like I belong now and can contribute and be a part of what happens in the country I'm living in."
Like many Europeans, she first came to the country on a working holiday visa with a backpack - and never left.
Last year she married an Australian, but said she always planned to stay.
“I’m excited for the stability I feel like it’ll bring. There’s nothing like feeling you’re one policy change away from being sent home,” she said.
“I really enjoy that you can get out and about and be active, even with a stressful job you can go for a bike ride or a walk
Last year more than 80,000 people became Australian citizens.
Canberra held a citizenship ceremony with Prime Minister Scott Morrison in attendance. (AAP)
That included almost 18,000 people from India, 14,000 Brits, almost 5000 Filipinos, more than 3500 South Africans, and just over 2500 Irish.
South Koreans, Malaysians, New Zealanders and Chinese also made up the bulk of last year’s new citizens.
Today also marks 70 years since the introduction of Australian citizenship into law.
Before then, there was no legal status as an Australian citizen. Most people in Australia were considered to be British subjects.
Since 1949, Australia has welcomed over five million new citizens from more than 200 nations.
Today marks 70 years since the introduction of Australian citizenship into law.
Before that, there was no legal status as an Australian citizen. Most people in Australia were considered to be British subjects.
© Nine Digital Pty Ltd 2019
https://www.9news.com.au/2019/01/25/11/38/australia-day-2019-citizenship-ceremony-new-citizens
