5 December 2018

Gunnedah Shire Council welcomed four new Australian Citizens at a naturalisation ceremony on Wednesday afternoon.

Mr Hardeep Singh, of India; Ms Puneet Kaur, of India; Mr Albert Law, of Malaysia; and Ms Ivy Tieh, of Malaysia made the pledge to Australia during a ceremony performed by Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey and Deputy Mayor Councillor Rob Hooke in the Council Chambers.

Cr Chaffey outlined the responsibilities that follow embracing Australian values.

“This is the biggest privilege as Mayor – to give those people that have chosen Australia, not only as their home, but a place to be proud of and to raise their families, the opportunity to become Australian Citizens,” Cr Chaffey said.

“Citizenship brings responsibilities and duties – to obey the laws, to register on the Electoral Roll and vote, to serve on a jury if called to do so, and to defend Australia should the need arise.

“Citizenship also brings civil and social rights – the right to express your cultural heritage and beliefs coupled with a responsibility to accept the rights of others to express their heritage and beliefs.

“Since 2012, Gunnedah Shire has welcomed 63 adults and 10 children as Australian Citizens and I am proud to congratulate our four newest, and wish them and their families well in their future endeavours.”

All citizens were gifted with native trees from Gunnedah Shire Council to mark the occasion.

Photo: Deputy Mayor Rob Hooke, Ivy Tieh, Albert Law, Hardeep Singh, Puneet Kaur and Mayor Jamie Chaffey.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.