New Australian citizens Pranita, 14, Leena, 17, Malati and Laxman Chhetri, originally from Bhutan.
WHEN former Bhutanese refugees Pranita and Leena Chhetri leave school, they want to find a job where they can help those who have struggled like them.
Pranita, 14, and Leena, 17, with their mother Malati and father Laxman officially became Australian citizens during a ceremony at Launceston's Albert Hall yesterday.
Mr and Mrs Chhetri had been forced to live in a Nepalese refugee camp for 18 years, and raise their two daughters there, after fleeing their home country Bhutan in 1991.
They received an opportunity to come and live in Australia in 2008 and have called Tasmania home since.
Mr Chhetri said he was proud to be finally made "an Aussie".
Pranita said she hoped to become a doctor while Leena said she wanted to study pharmacy.
Both girls said as adults, they hoped to help refugees
"It's really hard to be a refugee without money, good things to eat or good education," Pranita said.
"We want to help other refugees that come to this country who may have struggled like us."
Leena said: "We are really proud to be in Australia and really want to thank the Australian government for bringing us here and giving us a wonderful and happy life."
The Chhetri family were among the 60 people from 22 countries made Australian citizens in Launceston yesterday.
Celebrations also recognised outstanding members and groups from the city's community.
Retired teacher Ros Lewis, of Trevallyn, was awarded Launceston City Council's citizen award for her commitments to humanitarian, refugee, multicultural and youth affairs over 40 years.
After 20 years volunteering at Launceston's Migrant Resource Centre, Mrs Lewis said it was pleasing to see people from so many nationalities be officially named Australians yesterday.
"You can get to know all about the world right here in Launceston without travelling," she said.