Internationally renowned paediatric cardiologist Dr Bo Remenyi has told new Australian citizens in Darwin that her citizenship is the most important thing in her life.
She joked that it was more important even than her husband who was not present at an Australia Day ceremony, at which 69 people from 26 different countries became citizens.
Dr Remenyi fled communist Hungary with her mother and sister before getting to Australia as "political migrants".
Australia was "truly welcoming" and her family found themselves in a two-bedroom apartment with a fully stocked fridge after having to share a bedroom with all of her family in Hungary.
When her mother became seriously ill and couldn't work, Rotary and the Salvation Army helped her poor family with food and support.
Dr Remenyi said there were years of hard work, assimilating and learning English before she was able to get an Australian government scholarship and study medicine.
She now saves the lives of babies and children with heart problems including in remote communities.
"I became a doctor and had this amazing opportunity, all my life people were helping us out and finally now I was in a position to give back to the Australia people and the community," she said.
"I am proud to be Australian, Australia has given me freedom that I could never have imagined in a communist country, my efforts and the hard work my family put in led to amazing rewards out of that."
Ridwanu Abdul Rahaman from Ghana received his citizenship after coming to Australia seven years ago.
His met his Australian wife Rebecca when she was singing in a band called Afro Moses that was playing in Ghana and the couple now have two daughters.
"This is a big deal, I am happy to be part of Australia," he said.
Mohamed Enayet Hossain received his citizenship after he came to Australia from Bangladesh, spent nearly a year at the Christmas Island detention centre and was granted refugee status.
He said he felt lucky and has a job and was joined by his friend Khokon who was also at Christmas Island with him but is still awaiting citizenship.
An alternative event titled "January 26" was also held with Indigenous speakers to discuss Australia Day and whether the date should change because it represents a day of mourning and an invasion.
Territory Labor politician Ngaree Ah Kit was part of the panel.
Australia Day in the NT included a "ute run" convoy from Darwin to nearby Noonamah.
The Berry Springs Tavern held thong throwing and pie eating and a "best dressed bogan" competition.
