The group, who came originally from Myanmar, Sudan, India, South Africa, Zambia ans Sierra Leone, yesterday took the final steps in officially calling Australia home, when they were declared as our newest citizens after a ceremony overseen by mayor Greg Conkey on Friday.

One of those who swore allegiance to his new home yesterday was Hung Kee, a Burmese Christian who endured years of abuse because of his faith.

Mr Kee settled in Wagga and spent seven anxious years waiting for his wife Thang Shein to gain a visa and permission to join him.

Ms Shein was able to join her husband in April 2016 and the couple married three months later.

They have now welcomed son Raymond.

Holding his citizenship certificate, Mr Kee described his feelings of pride, not just to be an Australian citizen, but also as a resident of Wagga.

“Wagga is my home town already,” he said.