Council conducts citizenship ceremonies throughout the year on behalf of the Department of Home Affairs.

• Council does not handle any aspect of the application process for persons wishing to apply to become an Australian Citizen. For further information, in regards to this process, contact Australian Citizenship Information on 131 880
• Once your application for Australian Citizenship has been approved, the Department of Home Affairs will send/issue candidates correspondence with details of their citizenship ceremony
• For all enquiries regarding approval and attendance to a citizenship ceremony, please contact the Department of Home Affairs by calling 131 881 or visit the Immigration and Citizenship website

City of Whitehorse Citizenship Ceremony Dress Code

Conferees at citizenship ceremonies are encouraged to wear smart, casual attire, or national/traditional/cultural dress which reflects the significance of the occasion.

This Dress Code is a requirement of the Australian Government’s Australian Citizenship Ceremonies Code.

The Presiding Officer will have the discretion to decide for those who do not meet the requirements of the dress code, as to whether they are allowed to make the Pledge of Commitment to become an Australian Citizen.

What to Expect:

Citizenship Ceremonies are formal, legal events and the usually the last step for people to become Australia citizen and join the community.

Invitation, arrival & registration

• Conferees will receive notification from the Department of Home Affairs allocating you to a ceremony – any questions about the date you have been given please contact the Department of Home Affairs
• You can bring a guest along, due to venue capacity you will only be able to have one guest join you at the citizenship ceremony please note they will not be seated with you
• Council staff will greet and register you upon your presentation of photo identification and be registered for the ceremony

A Welcome followed by official speeches

• The Mayor leads the ceremony and will administer the pledge of commitment.  A federal member of Parliament may also give a short speech about the meaning of citizenship and the responsibilities of being an Australian

Conferee’s make pledge of commitment

• You will be asked to stand and make the citizenship pledge, either under God or an Affirmation (depending on your chosen version).

Presentation of Citizenship certificates

• You receive your official citizenship certificate from the Mayor
• This is the legal proof of citizenship (until you get your passport)

National anthem conclusion

• Everyone is invited to stand and sing Advance Australia Fair
• Ceremony formally concludes, there is an opportunity after the conclusion of the ceremony to take photographs with Mayor, Councillors and local Members of Parliament present