Coming from an array of different countries including Wales, Thailand, Sweden, the US, India, Bhutan, and Nepal, family and friends congratulated conferrants for becoming an Aussie.

Despite facing social and language barriers during her four years of living in Launceston, Alinnada Chaiyo took the pledge and became an Australian citizen at Thursday’s ceremony.

Originally from Bangkok, Thailand, Ms Chaiyo made the journey to live in Tasmania with her Australian husband.

She said at first, it was a struggle to connect with the Launceston community.

“I married an Australian man, and that’s why I moved to Australia,” she said.

“Before moving to Australia, I didn’t know anything about Tasmania.

“The culture, the food, and the weather were all things I had to deal with. 

“It was really hard for me.”

Ms Chaiyo said some of the biggest struggles were the language barrier and the difficulty to connect with people.

“When I first came here, my English wasn’t very good, so it was really hard to communicate with the people.

“I just knew my husband, so that was really hard.

“I thought that if I could get out somewhere, to something like a school where I could learn English, then I would be able to meet some people and hopefully make friends.

“And, that way, I could practice my English more and I could try and get a job.”

Ms Chaiyo said she then began classes at Tafe to learn English.

“I thought that if I wanted to stay here, I needed to practice my English and get a permanent job,” she said.

“So I went back to Tafe and did an aged care course, so now with that I can find a job.”

Ms Chaiyo said despite the big differences between Bangkok and Launceston, she loved it here.

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“I love the weather, I love the people,” she said.

“I love the culture and the language here.

“The people here are really friendly to me, and they are really welcoming because Launceston is quite small.

“I’m from Bangkok originally, so everything there is quite busy and everyone is always in a rush.

“So when I came here [to Launceston], I found it to be really calm and more of a slow life.

“It’s a very big difference.”

Ms Chaiyo said she was “really excited” to become an Australian citizen at the ceremony on Thursday.

“I’ve been really looking forward to this day,” she said.

Leading the citizenship ceremony, Launceston mayor Albert van Zetten welcomed each new citizen as they received their certificates.

“It is my pleasure to welcome you all as citizens of Australia, and to congratulate each and every one of you,” Alderman van Zetten said.

“Today is a very important day for our new citizens as they take their place as fully participating members of the Australian community.

“It is very fitting that on this important day, we have witnessed 22 people taking the important step to become Australian citizens.”

After a prideful rendition by all of the Australian National Anthem, Alderman van Zetten congratulated the new citizens and welcomed them to enjoy the reception.

City of Launceston conducts Australian Citizenship Ceremonies four times a year.