It was a citizenship "Super Saturday" in Melbourne's west this weekend, with more than 600 migrants naturalised in one of the country's most multicultural regions.
The marathon ceremonial sittings at Brimbank City Council lasted more than 10 hours, bringing joy to an unprecedented wave of new Australian citizens from as many as 40 different countries.
"It's definitely the biggest ever done in Brimbank. It's one of the biggest Australia-wide ever," Mayor Lucinda Congreve said.
Hundreds of people took part in the ceremonies. Source: Twitter - Brimbank City Council
According to Ms Congreve, the sittings were scheduled to clear some of the backlog of approvals from the Home Affairs Department.
"We just wanted to make sure we got through them and people got their citizenship because it's really important to them and it's really important to us as well," she said.
After a pledge of allegiance under the gaze of a large photo of the Queen, some welcoming congratulations and a rendition of the national anthem, the 600 - aged anywhere between two and 80 - took their place as Australian citizens.
Many join in the celebrations. Source: Twitter - Brimbank City Council
Local officer Senior Sergeant Adam Beauliv told them the police were there to help.
"I have no doubt that there are some incredible tales of migration among you," he said.
"Some of which may be filled with difficulty but all of which I trust are filled with hope."
Filipino migrant Jenevieve Chua described the ceremony as a blessing.
"It's just an open door for more opportunities, but also the chance to contribute greatly to the Australian community because it's not always just receiving what Australia has to offer us," she said.
"It's basically about giving back to this wonderful community in whatever little way we can."
Elisa Perez and her partner Luis Arredondo migrated from Colombia five years ago.
Mr Arrendondo said he was thrilled to be declared a citizen.
"It's a life-changing experience. It's a combination of a very long process and a very hard journey that we have had to get out here and finally it's happened," he said.
It's a life-changing experience Luis Arredondo
"It's like a great burden has been lifted because now you feel like you are really part of this amazing country."
With 160 different languages spoken, Brimbank is one of the most diverse multicultural municipalities in Australia and this year alone is expected to confer citizenship on more than 2,000 residents.
