More than 180 people from all corners of the globe have become new citizens in one of the biggest days for citizenship ceremonies in Lake Macquarie's history.
Growing demand for new citizenship prompted the scheduling of back-to-back ceremonies at Rathmines Theatre on Friday, with people of all ages and walks of life hailing from a total of 41 nations taking part.
Among them were married couple Holly Simpson, from the UK, and Andrea Simich Padilla, from Peru, who both dreamed for years of living in Australia and met while playing water polo together in Sydney.
"I grew up watching Neighbours and Home and Away, and living in the UK the weather is never good," Ms Simpson said.
"Luckily, I did some solo travel in Australia and New Zealand and absolutely fell in love with Australia."
"Today the dream becomes true. It hasn't been an easy path, but it has absolutely been worth it."
Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz said becoming an Australian citizen had been a life-changing event for millions of people over the past 76 years.
"More than six million people have become Australian citizens since citizenship was introduced in 1949," he said.
"Times have changed but one constant has been the contribution our new citizens from all corners of the globe have made to Australian society."
"Their traditions, culture, food, languages and religions diversify and enrich our communities, and make our country what it is today."
The nations where new citizens predominantly hail from have changed significantly since the introduction of citizenship.
In the early 1950s, Italy, Poland, Greece, Germany and Yugoslavia were the top five countries of origin.
Latest citizenship statistics show the top five countries have shifted to India, the UK, the Philippines, Pakistan and Iraq.
Lake Macquarie Ambassador Dr Alyce Barnes, told new citizens during Friday's first ceremony that she was proud to live in a city that welcomed people from all backgrounds and helped make them feel like they belong.
"To me, being Australia is more than just where you live," she said.
"It's about the values we share – kindness, respect, fairness and looking out for one another. It's about being part of something bigger than yourself."
"It means showing up, lending a hand and embracing people from all walks of life."
