ADAMA and Isata Konneh spent 17 years living in refugees camps in western Africa after fleeing Liberia, which was torn apart by a decade-long civil war.
The couple arrived in Australia nearly five years ago with their seven children who had been born in camps in countries such as Guinea and Sierra Leone.
Yesterday, along with 54 other migrants from 20 countries, the Konnehs were able to call Australia their official home after receiving citizenship at Albert Hall.
''I feel so happy and proud to be part of the community,'' Mrs Konneh said.
Her eldest daughter, Hawa, felt relieved after studying books and DVDs to prepare for Australia's controversial citizenship test.
''It was a lot of pressure so I am so happy today,'' she said.
Mr Konneh spent the morning with a smile plastered on his face.
''I feel very happy, very happy, very happy,'' he said.
The Tamba and Fagia families, also from Liberia, arrived in Australia the same year as the Konnehs.
Family matriarch Baindu Tamba still remembers the day - October 7, 2007 - she received news that Australia would give them residency.
She was in her seventh year living in a refugee camp in Sierra Leone with her husband and their five children.
The seven of them were granted citizenship as their youngest two children, born in Australia, watched on.
''I don't even know what to say . . . overjoyed, joy, joy, joy,'' Mrs Tamba said.
Launceston Mayor Albert Van Zetten, who conducted the ceremony, said the citizenship program promoted a sense of belonging in the the community.
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