The ceremony was officiated over by mayor Paul Harmon, with friends of the family and a sprinkling of shire councillors present, one of whom later joked with the trio about the dubious quality of the singing.

Paul Kaiser was overjoyed with a ceremony they had waited for 16 years for.

“We had to leave and come back three times because of visas,” Mr Kaiser said.

“Every time we had to leave, we felt disappointed, and every time we came back we rejoiced. 

“The last stretch was four years, but don’t get us wrong, we had many politicians working for us too.”

Cr Harmon said it was very humbling day for him.

“As I have been conducting more and more of these ceremonies, the words have become very significant,” he said.

“It is a big step for people to take. It is always such a significant day.

“I think we sometimes take it for granted that we were born here. 

“We provide opportunity for whatever you want to achieve, regardless of heritage, race or gender. 

“We’re lucky because some other places don’t tolerate that.”