January 26 was an especially auspicious date this year for the 30 Bendigonians who became Australian citizens.

People from across Asia, Europe and the Pacific were among those to take the Australian citizenship pledge yesterday in a ceremony at the Bendigo Town Hall. 

For Pawkee, a Karen refugee from the border of Thailand and Burma, becoming an Australian meant a newfound safety and comfort. 

She moved here seven years ago with her mother, two sisters and a brother. Another brother waits in the refugee camp for his chance to come to Australia. 

“For us, Australia is a safe place to live, a lot better than a refugee camp,” Ms Pawkee said.

“Everything is better: houses, jobs.”

She is still looking for work, but said she had dreams of becoming a hairdresser. 

Bendigo man Steve Brennan was in the crowd for the ceremony.

He did not know anyone taking the pledge but wanted to be a part of the citizenship tradition.

“It’s all part of the Australia Day experience,” he said.