WHILE hundreds of barbecues sizzled throughout Wagga, 31 of the city's newest citizens were enjoying a moment of huge significance at the Civic Precinct.
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Mayor Rod Kendall welcomed the new citizens who came from a diverse range of countries, including India, China, Myanmar and England.
Children from the Dulbinga Aboriginal Dance group enacted the story of the formation of the Murrumbidgee River through a colourful dance arrangement.
The five combined winners of the national anthem primary schools competition performed a rendition of the anthem together.
Yiqin Wang, originally from China, has lived in Australia for a decade.
He completed his last two years of school at Wagga High, studied at the University of Wollongong, lives and works in Wagga and has a broad Aussie accent.
But the slip of paper, declaring him a citizen, separated Mr Wang from achieving his dream of being an engineer in the Royal Australian Air Force.
Surrounded by uni mates, Mr Wang was pleased to celebrate "the start of a new era" in his life as an Australian.
The new citizens recited a pledge and were presented a native plant by Miss Wagga Adriana Lions.
Councillor Kendall congratulated the men, women and children and welcomed them into the community.
"It's always important that we sing on these occasions that second verse of Advance Australia Fair," Cr Kendall said.
"It's in that second verse that we really recognise those Australians that have come from overseas.
"'With courage let us all combine' - I think that's what we are here to celebrate - the combination of a multitude of cultures."