From all corners of the world,Australia has welcomed thousands of its newest citizens in ceremonies across the nation.
More than 22,000 people from more than 150 countries took the citizenship pledge on Australia Day.
Among those were Beverly Cruz and her 13-year-old son Zyle,originally from the Philippines,who took part in the national citizenship ceremony in Canberra.
Cruz originally moved to Australia in 2016 to study nursing and now works in aged care.
However,she became separated from her family during the height of the COVID pandemic,not being able to see Zyle or her husband for two years,until they were able to reunite in Australia.
She said becoming a new citizen of Australia was filled with many emotions.
“I didn’t know how to express how happy I am to become a new citizen,and it is a big privilege,” she said.
“We’re now looking forward to our future as a family and looking forward to being Australian citizens.”
Cruz said her first day as an Australian citizen was going to be spent eating and celebrating with family marking the milestone.
AAP