Brisbane City Hall Citizenship Ceremony: A Guide for New Australians

One of the most memorable moments was when the host would call out the home countries of the new immigrants one by one. As each country’s name was announced, a wave of cheers and enthusiastic celebrations erupted from those who hailed from that nation. For instance, the energy from people from developing countries like India, Vietnam, and Brazil was particularly infectious, while those from major nations such as the UK, USA, Germany, and France were equally spirited.

However, when China was called, the room fell into an unusual silence. Since I was there alone, there was no cheering, and for a brief moment, the atmosphere felt almost somber. The host then moved on to the next country, and the room once again filled with the ebb and flow of jubilant voices. I couldn’t help but think that among the many people being naturalized that day, China likely had one of the largest groups.

At that moment, a mix of emotions—pride, nostalgia, and a hint of melancholy—filled the air, creating a poignant and unforgettable experience.