A DOZEN years ago, one of Newcastle's newest citizens was a world away from her home in Waratah.
Zarmina Ali, now 33, lived amid the civil unrest of Afghanistan as a 21-year-old.
In 2007 Mrs Ali fled for Pakistan with husband Esmatullah, the first step on a journey that took more than five years before the couple and their daughters Bahar, 10, and Elaha, 6, were granted a refugee visa.
They have been in the Hunter for seven years.
On Wednesday, the Waratah resident officially became an Australian citizen alongside more than 160 others from 30 countries.
Deputy lord mayor Declan Clausen officiated the Civic Theatre ceremony, which he described as a historic moment.
"2019 marks 70 years since Australian citizenship was introduced into law, creating for the first time a legal status of being an Australian," Cr Clausen said.
"Australians are privileged to live in a true democracy that protects and defends hard-fought freedoms.
"As Novocastrians, we are proud to be a culturally diverse, inclusive community, united by a commitment to democratic principles and fairness ensuring our residents enjoy equal rights and are treated with equal respect."
Mrs Ali, who is studying English and working as an Uber driver, said she hoped to pursue interests in design and fashion.
"I am enjoying learning English but I love design and clothes," she said.
"Today is a really happy day for me and I am happy for my children to grow up here. We have a smile on our face."
