Family become citizens after 14 years in record Albury ceremony

Mr Pathak and his wife Dhaval were among 81 new citizens sworn in at Albury Council's final ceremony of the year.

It was a record intake for the council, and was also a very significant event for Mr Pathak.

"It's a coincidence that on the 25th of November in 2005, I first came to Australia," he said.

"It's 14 years now for myself, and for my wife it is seven years."

The couple both hail from the Indian city Vadodara and lived in Sydney before coming to the Border.

"I came over after our marriage," Mrs Pathak said.

"We love it, we don't want to go back to Sydney.

"We have a better future for our son."

Mr Pathak works at Coles Birallee and his wife works with Albury Council.

"I studied there [in Sydney] and worked there as well - for Visa purposes we settled here," he said.

"Today is very exciting and special."

The new Border residents being sworn in at the Albury Entertainment Centre on Monday afternoon were from countries such as Bhutan, Colombia, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Yemen, The Philippines, South Africa, Thailand, France and Taiwan.

Previous ceremonies have ranged from as few as 10 to more than 60 in September this year.

Albury deputy mayor Amanda Cohn congratulated the group.

"Whether you've been living here for a short time or a long time, I'm sure you'll agree our city is a very special place to call home," she said.

"We sincerely welcome our new citizens to be part of our vibrant community."

Cr Cohn said the individuals and families had as much to give the Albury community, as Albury could give them.

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"You have the freedom and the safety to express and share with us your cultural heritage; your food, music, language, history, and most importantly, your story," she said.

"As an Australian citizen you'll have the right to vote, to defend Australia and to serve on a jury.

"You'll enjoy all of our freedoms, social and civil rights and the ability to express yourselves as you wish."