00:00Well, the National Citizenship and Flag Raising Ceremony is an Australia Day tradition here
00:07in the capital on the banks of Lake Burley Griffin, and what a spectacular backdrop it
00:12has been this morning.
00:13The ceremony started with, rather fittingly, a rendition of Land Down Under by the Royal
00:19Military College Band.
00:21There was a military parade with about 100 personnel, followed by a 21-gun salute, and
00:28for the aviation enthusiasts out there, there was a military aerial display, including
00:33a helicopter carrying an Australian flag.
00:36That happened at the same time as the official flag-raising here of two Australian flags,
00:43two Aboriginal flags, and two Torres Strait Islander flags.
00:46There were some cultural performances by the Mugara dancers, and of course we heard speeches
00:51from the Prime Minister and from the Governor-General.
00:54But ultimately, the morning really belonged to the 23 people here in Canberra, who have
01:00become some of Australia's newest citizens.
01:03They each received their certificate from Anthony Albanese, as well as a pair of clapsticks to
01:09commemorate the day.
01:11And Lil, what can you tell us about the new citizens?
01:13Well, in true Australian fashion, it's a diverse mix of people.
01:20The 23 people hail from eight different countries, including Nepal, India, Turkey, the UK, the USA,
01:28and New Zealand.
01:29The youngest was just five, but there's a diverse range of professions too.
01:34There's an author, a couple of doctors, an engineer, a vet nurse, and a social worker.
01:39We had a chat to some of them about what the day meant for them.
01:43Take a listen.
01:44I've been here for 20 more years.
01:46I've been here longer than I have in Malaysia.
01:48It just feels like it's a sense of belonging.
01:51I've chosen this place, and this place has chosen me.
01:54So it seems like I've now planted here, which is great, great feeling.
01:59Excitement and full of dream come true.
02:02That's what I can say.
02:04Very excited.
02:04Top of the moon.
02:05It was one of just 325 citizenship ceremonies that will be held across the country today,
02:15welcoming about 19,000 new citizens to Australia.
02:19And for those here in Canberra today, we'll no doubt be a day they'll remember forever.
02:25Looks like a beautiful day there, Lil.
02:27Thanks very much.
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