MORE opportunities and security for their children's future - this is what the Araneta family hopes to achieve by becoming Australian citizens on Saturday.
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Johnathan and Zeny Araneta and their two children Irish and Matthew will join 16 other families on Australia Day to become formally recognised as citizens of Australia.
Philippines-born franchise manager Johnathan Araneta said receiving his citizenship was part of a larger set of goals for his family.
"We moved to Australia to secure a better future for our children and give them more opportunities in life," he said.
"We've had our permanent residence for almost two years but we're excited for the ceremony.
"It's a privilege to be able to become part of the community."
Mr Araneta said the ceremony would help cement their place as members of the community and help them take advantages of their new credentials.
"Australia is a great country and you get plenty of opportunity if you are willing to work hard," he said.
"Travelling with our new passports, we'll also have the support and security of the government behind us," he said.
"We can always apply for dual citizenship later, but we had no problems swapping it for our Philippines citizenship."
Mr Araneta said his children, both studying at Mount Isa schools, would also have more opportunities for their future once becoming citizens.
"The kids have more opportunity for their schooling in Australia," he said.
"They can decide to do a trade, or go to college," he said.
"If they decide on college they can get financial support to finish their studies."
The family, who have settled in Mount Isa, said they loved visiting Townsville to get a taste of the coast and have been going there on school holidays every year since they arrived.
They've also had the support of the active Philippine community in Mount Isa to help them settle into their new life on Australian ground.
"I still don't own my own car, so they come and give me lifts and help us all get around," Mr Araneta said.
"The people in Mount Isa have been very welcoming and friendly."
Mrs Araneta said her family would wear formal attire to the citizenship celebration, but might change into their Australia Day t-shirts before going out for lunch with friends.
More than 25 people from 12 different countries will be granted citizenship, or naturalised, at this year's citizenship ceremony.
Proceedings will be held at 10am inside the Mount Isa Civic Centre, following other Australia Day activities outside in the morning.