Nineteen thousand immigrants from over 140 countries became Australians on Thursday at citizenship ceremonies around the country.
Citizenship ceremonies across Australia hold great significance on Jan. 26, with a flagship ceremony in the capital overseen by the prime minister and governor-general.One of those new Australians, Nashieli Garcia Alaniz, was among those whose pledge was heard by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Canberra.
Garcia Alaniz said she was pretty overwhelmed by all the dignitaries at the event, but having the Prime Minister of Australia grant her a citizenship certificate was a special moment.
An ecologist, Garcia Alaniz, hopes to contribute her talent to protect the nation’s native animals.“I feel honoured that a country like Australia opens its doors to welcome someone like me and people from all over the world,” she said in comments obtained by AAP.
“I’m super happy that I can participate in the country on a different level now, and I can’t wait to contribute to help protect this environment.”
