Becoming an Australian Citizen and Citizenship Ceremonies

Becoming an Australian Citizen

Choosing to become an Australian Citizen is an important expression of commitment to Australia. Enquiries regarding Australian citizenship, applications and approval should be directed to the Australian Department of Home Affairs.

Once a citizenship application has been approved, the Department of Home Affairs will provide a list of candidates to Council for the upcoming ceremony. Council will then invite candidates to the ceremony and advise the citizenship ceremony details.

Attending a Citizenship Ceremony

Council conducts Citizenship Ceremonies throughout the year on an as-needed basis. Citizenship Ceremonies held on Australia Day are included in the official Australia Day Ceremony as part of the Uralla Australia Day Celebrations.

Day of the Ceremony

What to wear

You should wear Citizenship Ceremonies usually smart casual or semi-formal clothing. You are more than welcome to wear your traditional dress should you wish to do so.

What to bring

You will need to bring the following documentation with you to the Citizenship Ceremony and present it on arrival:

1. One of the following forms of identification:

  • Driver's Licence; or
  • Passport; or
  • Official document which includes a photograph; or
  • If you do not have any photographic identification, at least three (3) documents bearing your name, address and signature (eg. bank statements, credit cards or utility bills).

Please note: Children under 16 years of age do not need to provide identification.

2. If you want to make the pledge on a Sacred Book other than the Bible, please make sure you bring the book to the Citizenship Ceremony.

What happens at the Citizenship Ceremony?

Please ensure that you arrive at the venue at the time stated on the invitation letter and make contact with a Council Officer present.

Please note that Citizenship Ceremonies may attract media attention and representatives from the local media may attend ceremonies to film or photograph the ceremony.

The Citizenship Ceremony will usually run for approximately 30 minutes. Please allow extra time for registration, seating and photographs at the conclusion of the ceremony.

It will be necessary for you to make a Pledge of Commitment and this will take the form of making either an Affirmation or an Oath on the Bible or Sacred Book of your religion. A pledge card with the words of the Australian Citizenship Pledge will be provided to you on the day.

Citizenship Certificate

After you become an Australian Citizenship, you will be provided a Citizenship Certificate. This is an important legal document of which you should look after and ensure its safekeeping. You will need it when you apply for an Australian passport.