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Citizenship Ceremonies
Citizenship Ceremonies for 2012 have been completed, please see the below dates for ceremonies to be held in 2013.
Pittwater Council has the following dates currently scheduled (by invitation only):
Day |
Date |
Time |
Venue |
Saturday |
26 January 2013 |
8.00am |
Newport Beach Surf Lifesaving Club
|
Thursday |
4 April 2013 |
6.00pm |
Mona Vale Memorial Hall
|
Thursday |
4 July 2013 |
6.00pm |
Mona Vale Memorial Hall
|
Thursday |
26 September 2013 |
6.00pm |
Mona Vale Memorial Hall
|
Thursday |
7 November 2013 |
6.00pm |
Mona Vale Memorial Hall
|
- Once your application for citizenship has been approved, you will receive a letter from the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship.
- Generally it can take up to a few months, for a Citizenship Ceremony to occur in your local area. The Department of Immigration and Citizenship will send an additional letter to you with details of your Citizenship Ceremony. (ie Date, Time, Venue)
- If you need to attend a citizenship ceremony by a particular date, please advise the Department of Immigration and Citizenship in writing or call 131 880.
What is Australian Citizenship?
Australian citizenship symbolises our unity as a nation. It represents commitment to Australia and its people, the values we share and our common future. It also symbolises the sense of belonging to the country where we have been born or where we have decided to make our home.
How do I become an Australian Citizen?
To become an Australian Citizen start the process by contacting the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Information Line on:
- 131 880 or follow the link to the website for further details: www.citizenship.gov.au
Once the application has been processed, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship will notify you by letter of the date and timing of your Ceremony.
To enquire about your Ceremony date, call the Citizenship Information Line on 131 880.
Australian Citizenship Ceremonies
Becoming an Australian citizen is something to celebrate. Citizenship ceremonies mark this important milestone in the lives of new citizens.
Citizenship ceremonies have an important symbolic role because they formally welcome new citizens from many cultures into the Australian family.
The ceremony is a formal part of the citizenship process. You become an Australian citizen on the date you attend the citizenship ceremony and make the Pledge of commitment to Australia. Usually, ceremonies are hosted by local government councils in a town hall or other building of significance.
Once your application for citizenship has been approved, you will receive a letter with details of your citizenship ceremony. Generally it can take up to a few months, depending on where you live. If you need to attend a citizenship ceremony by a particular date, please advise your local office of the Department in writing.
You are most welcome to share this memorable occasion with relatives and friends. You will receive details about your citizenship ceremony well in advance so that you can invite them.
New citizens are asked to arrive between 5.30pm and 5.45pm to register. The Citizenship Ceremonies commence at 6.00pm and are conducted by the Mayor of Pittwater, Cr Jacqueline Townsend. The ceremony lasts for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.
They can vary slightly but the main elements are:
- Official welcome
- An address by a special guest or the Mayor
- Pledge of commitment to Australia
- Presentation of certificates of Australian citizenship
- Presentation of a gift to all new citizens
- Singing of the national anthem, Advance Australia Fair
- Refreshments
The Australian National Flag
The Australian National Flag identifies a free and democratic people in a nation united in purpose. Our National Flag belongs equally to all Australians whatever their origins. Each symbol on the flag has a special meaning for Australians.
- The stars of the Southern Cross represent our geographical position in the Southern Hemisphere,
- The Commonwealth Star symbolises our federation of States and Territories, and
- The Crosses stand for the principles on which our nation is based - namely, Parliamentary Democracy, Rule of the Law and Freedom of Speech.
It is the right and privilege of every Australian to fly the Australian National Flag.
Where do I find more information about becoming an Australian Citizen?
For further information on becoming an Australian Citizen contact the following:
-
The Citizenship Information Line on 131 880 if in Australia
-
Visit the Citizenship Website at www.citizenship.gov.au
-
Visit the Department of Immigration and Citizenship website at www.immi.gov.au
Updated: 15 May 2013
