Moving to Australia was a chance for a safer and more secure life for some of the 19 people who became Australia's newest citizens during a ceremony at Cook Park on Tuesday.
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For others it was about embracing opportunities, or moving to be with loved ones.
The new citizens who took part in the ceremony during the Orange Australia Day activities came from Iraq, Brazil, the Republic of Ireland, China, India, New Zealand, Nepal, South Korea, Zimbabwe, The Netherlands, Vietnam, the USA, the Philippines, and one child was born in Australia.
Adam Abraham was born in Iraq and moved to Australia to escape the violence and seek safety.
"There's no future there," Mr Abraham said. "I've been here for nine or 10 years."
Mr Abraham works at Kingsmen Hair at Orange Central Arcade and is the only member of his family in Orange but said he he has a sister in Perth.
Julio Barbosa was born in Brazil and has lived in Australia for five and a half years and said he came here because he could see it would be much better for him.
Portia Makurumure said she migrated with her family from Zimbabwe and has been here since 2008.
Bijay Kunwar is a qualified chef at Charred who has been here since 2009 and said he first came to Australia from Nepal to study.
"I thought we have so much opportunity, the government looks after us and the main thing is the mateship," Mr Kunwar said.
"I met so many Australian friends, they are really nice, loyal, and have a really good sense of humour."
Those who became citizens through online ceremonies in 2020 were also included and sat with the newest citizens near the rotunda.
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