Gunnedah mayor Jamie Chaffey officiated the proceedings in the Council chambers and welcomed the pair from Pakistan to Gunnedah and Australia. 

Councillor Chaffey addressed the Khan’s family and friends who gathered for the citizenship ceremony and explained the importance of the ceremony and what becoming an Australian citizen entails.

He pointed out the civil and social rights associated with citizenship, including the right to vote, stand for public office and travel on an Australian passport.

“Our ceremony today recognises that citizenship is a common bond that unites all the people of this land,” Mr Chaffey said.

“Thank you for taking this important step today.”

After the formal welcome and message from the Minister for Immigration and Border Protection Peter Dutton, the three residents took the Pledge of Commitment and were presented with certificates of citizenship and a Gunnedah Shire Council tradition of a native Australian plant. Abdul received toys.

A local resident and friend of the Khan’s, Ross Whittaker said the acceptance of the family into Australia meant Gunnedah would become “richer in community”.

“They’ve enriched us with a lot of their beliefs and culture and and they’ll be great citizens,” he said.

At the end of the ceremony, those present sang the Australian National Anthem.

Cr Swain said the Khans now had a piece of documentation that people who were born in Australia do not have.

“They’ve now become Australians by choice,” she said.

In just one week, five people have been naturalised in the Gunnedah Council Chambers, with the first ceremony taking place on Wednesday.