A group of 20 people from seven countries will officially join the Australian family at a special citizenship ceremony in Burnie, Tasmania today to launch Australian Citizenship Day celebrations.

They are the first of thousands of people who will become citizens on and around Australian Citizenship Day, which is celebrated each year on September 17.

Some 3 600 people from 118 countries will become citizens at 69 ceremonies across Australia on and around September 17, a day for all Australians to take pride in their citizenship and reflect on its importance. Ceremonies will be staged in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Darwin and Canberra on Australian Citizenship Day.

Sources: http://www.newsroom.immi.gov.au/media_releases/846