The Kreiches are a family in a festive mood.
After almost six years in Australia, the family of five have offically become Australian citizens.
For 34 year-old Salim Kreich and his wife, 30-year-old Taghred Kannawi, their journey began in May 2011.
Syria, their home country, was several months into the start of its protracted, nationwide civil war.
The family came to Australia on a holiday visa to visit relatives.
Taghred says that little did they know, they would never be going back to Syria.
"The situation in Syria was quickly detoriating. So it made it difficult for us to return to our country and return to our homes, because that was it. The conditions were very difficult. Thank God this country ensured our safety and gave us hope. We wish for other Syrians to have this."
When their holiday visas expired, the Kreiches waited in Malaysia until they received Australian protection visas.
Salim once had a successful hire car and tourism business in Homs.
But he says he had to let that go and start again.
"I lost my property. I lost my business. And everything gone. If I want to go back to Syria, I'm going to lose my life and my kids as well."
And so Salim went from refugee to restaurateur.
He became the manager of a local restaurant, called Armani, in Parramatta in western Sydney, owned by his brother.
Customers say Salim is very popular.
"I love Salim. He's really nice, he's like family. Seeing Salim walking around the restaurant always puts a smile on my face."
"Incredibly hospitable guy. Very nice, very genuine."
Business has boomed since becoming a family venture.
Their restaurant now employs more than 50 people, and they're looking to open another.
Salim wants to employ more refugees and provide them the same chance he got.
"We try to give back what we get. And we extended our business, and we trying to make a better economy for this country. Now, this is my country. I'm going to focus to do something better. For myself, family, and for whole society, and everyone I can help."
Salim and Taghred have been studying English for the past six years, and their children, Alaa and Roula, are excelling at primary school.
Becoming citizens, Taghred says, is like a dream come true.
"Yeah, I'm really excited now. Thank God. I was waiting for this day, and thank God I've reached it and can now call myself an Australian citizen and a part of this country. This is something that is very nice."
And this Australia Day provides another reason for the Kreiches to celebrate: Roula turns seven.
She says she loves Australia very much.
"My favourite part of Australia is keeping people safe, and staying with your family and having fun."
But she reflects on the country they've left behind, and the Syrian war, which has now entered its sixth year.
"It's really sad for Syria that so much kids have been dying. They don't have any money, they're really poor and they're dying, and they really want food to eat and stuff."
Salim believes they will now have a better future, including for his 11 month old son, Zain, the first born in Australia.
Taghred agrees, but hopes her parents and sisters - who are currently in Turkey - will one day become Australians too.
"We are saddened when we think of the people that are still living in that country who are unable to leave, or have any opportunities to leave. We are upset for the children who are being killed every day and the next. For those who are being hit by airstrikes, the children who are escaping via the ocean but are drowning. We are upset for all these people."
