Citizenship ceremonies
The final step in the journey to become an Australian citizen, for most people, is to make the Australian citizenship pledge at an Australian citizenship ceremony. Once your application has been approved by the Department of Home Affairs, you will be invited by the Department to attend a citizenship ceremony.
To enquire about your date contact the Department of Home Affairs by phoning 131 881 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday except public holidays.
Citizenship ceremonies are special events. They fulfill requirements under Australian citizenship law and provide an opportunity to welcome new citizens as members of the Australian community.
Dates and venue
Dates
To enquire about the date for your citizenship ceremony you must contact the Department of Home Affairs directly by phoning 131 881 between the hours of 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday, excepting public holidays. Alternatively, you can contact the Department of Home Affairs via the website.
2023 Citizenship Ceremony Dates
The dates for citizenship ceremonies to be held in 2023 are as follows:
- Thursday 26 January 2023
- Thursday 16 February 2023
- Thursday 16 March 2023
- Thursday 20 April 2023
- Thursday 18 May 2023
- Thursday 20 July 2023
- Thursday 17 August 2023
- Thursday 14 September 2023
- Thursday 19 October 2023
- Thursday 16 November 2023.
Please note Council will not conduct a citizenship ceremony in the months of June and December 2003.
All enquiries in relation to when you may be allocated a date for a citizenship ceremony must be directed to the Department of Home Affairs. Council does not allocate or have any input into dates for those awaiting to attend a citizenship ceremony.
2024 Citizenship Ceremony Dates
The dates for citizenship ceremonies to be held in 2024 are as follows:
- Thursday 25 January 2024
- Thursday 15 February 2024
- Thursday 21 March 2024
- Thursday 18 April 2024
- Thursday 16 May 2024
- Thursday 20 June 2024
- Thursday 18 July 2024
- Thursday 15 August 2024
- Thursday 19 September 2024
- Thursday 17 October 2024.
Please note Council will not conduct a citizenship ceremony in the months of November and December 2024.
Venue
Citizenship ceremonies are conducted at Maribyrnong Community Centre, 9 Randall Street, Maribyrnong (view map).
COVIDSafe Plan
In response to COVID-19, Council has developed a COVIDSafe Plan for citizenship ceremonies which is available by phoning 9688 0200 or email us at email@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au
Citizenship Ceremony Dress Code
The Minister responsible for administering the Australian Citizenship Act requires us to have an appropriate dress code for attendees at citizenship ceremonies.
Attendees at citizenship ceremonies are encouraged to wear smart, casual attire which reflects the significance of the occasion.
National/traditional/cultural dress is welcomed to be worn, however the following should not be worn at citizenship ceremonies:
- Beach wear including swimwear of any kind.
- Rubber thongs.
- Slippers.
- Singlets or tank tops.
- Nightwear.
- Shirts and jackets containing offensive motifs.
- Sports or training apparel.
- Overly torn clothing items.
Appropriate footwear must be worn by all attendees. Attending a citizenship ceremony with bare feet is not acceptable.
Attendees in breach of the City of Maribyrnong Citizenship Ceremony Dress Code may be requested to remove themselves from the venue until the ceremony concludes.
Registrations
Registrations open 30 minutes prior to the commencement of a ceremony on the ground floor.
All those expecting to become a citizen must have registered upon arrival.
Who to contact about the day of your citizenship ceremony
For enquiries relating to the date of your citizenship ceremony, please contact the Department of Home Affairs directly by visiting the Department's website or phone 131 881 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday excepting public holidays.
Please note Council has no input into the allocation of dates for citizenship ceremonies. You must contact the Department directly.
Inviting guests to your citizenship ceremony
Our priority is the health and wellbeing of our community and our employees, therefore in response to COVID-19, only one guest will be permitted to attend your citizenship ceremony with you until further notice.
How long ceremonies take
Those becoming Australian citizens should allow 1.5 hours to attend a ceremony. Registrations are essential upon arrival and registration with the Australian Electoral Commission may also be required prior to the ceremony.
Registrations open 30 minutes prior to the commencement of a ceremony and formalities take approximately one hour.
What to bring with you
You will not be able to obtain citizenship on the night if you are not able to produce the appropriate identification as follows:
- Your letter of invitation sent to you by the Department of Home Affairs.
- Photographic identification (such as your passport or drivers licence).
If you are unable to provide photographic identification you will need to bring at least three different documents which contain your name, address and/or signature. At least two of these must be on the identification you produce (such as credit card, bills for utilities or bank statements).