AUSTRALIA Day was a defining moment in Rup Koirala's life and that of his wife and children.

For the first time since they were born Yashada, 20, Kesabi, 17, Muna, 13, and Surya, 6, are citizens of a country. They were all born in a Bhutanese refugee camp in Nepal.

Mr Koirala met his wife in the camp, where they raised their family for 19 years.

"Living conditions were terrible in camp, people were vulnerable and there was no future for anyone," he said. "After being non-citizens for years, without having a sense of belonging to any country, it's an honour to be an Australian citizen."

Mr Koirala said 15 members of his family across three generations, including his mother and brother, received their Australian citizenship yesterday in Launceston, Hobart and New South Wales.

He said it was "a dream come true", and thanked every organisation, including the Australian government, that had helped make it happen.

His eldest daughter Yashada's smile said it all. "I cannot explain my feeling in words. I am just so happy," she said.

This feeling was one that was shared by many in the Albert Hall, as people born in countries including the Netherlands, Thailand, Ukraine, China, Hong Kong, Britain, Mozambique and Mauritius became Australian citizens.

They included Hoi Sang Chan, 28, originally from Hong Kong, who arrived alone in Launceston 10 years ago to study, and who now works as a chef at Dynasty Chinese Restaurant.

And there was Walter Rimmer, who arrived in Launceston 55 years ago from England as a seven-year-old. Mr Rimmer said Australia had been very good to him. "I have had a very, very good life here and I want to acknowledge it and acknowledge my commitment to Australia."