In a first for Lake Macquarie, three citizenship ceremonies were held on a single day, welcoming a record 281 new Australians from 47 different countries to the community.
Today was a dream come true for mother Alsa Licumba who celebrated her son Heber Masseque, aged 19, becoming a citizen after they moved to Australia from Mozambique in 2012.
"It was a childhood dream to come here," Ms Licumba said.
"I came here to study when Heber was two, and then my daughter was born here so it was just destiny that kept us here.
"Today has been very emotional – he (Heber) represents our full story."
"I am so grateful for the pathways being here has opened for me and for the education that I've had and the friends that I have made," Mr Masseque said.
Heber is studying a Bachelor of Law and Psychology at the University of Newcastle with the aspiration to be a criminal lawyer.
"Learning about the justice system has led me to understand a lot more about Australia and its values.
"I want to be someone that can speak up for those people who can't speak up for themselves."
The Belmont North family are thrilled to be calling Lake Macquarie home.
"We love the beaches, the lake, just the pace of life and the community feel," Ms Licumba said.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz said demand for new citizenship had prompted Council to host three ceremonies, at Rathmines Theatre, in one day.
"It's fantastic to see so many people from across the globe choosing to call Lake Macquarie home," he said.
The ceremonies saw new Australians hailing from 47 countries including Colombia, Jamaica, Samoa, Scotland, South Africa, Mexico, Vietnam, Wales and Canada – just to name a few.
"Each has their own unique story about what brought them here," Mayor Adam said.
"As Australians we have so much to appreciate and enjoy, and I can think of no better place to start or continue life as a citizen than Lake Macquarie."
