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Australian Citizenship

All enquiries regarding becoming an Australian Citizen should be directed to the Department of Home Affairs on 131 880.

The Department of Home Affairs will write to you when your application has been approved to become a Citizen.

The Department of Home Affairs provides Council with the names of candidates who are scheduled to become Citizens prior to each Ceremony. Council has no input into who attends a Ceremony.

Citizenship

Australian Citizenship Ceremonies are held at the Knox Civic Centre, 511 Burwood Highway, Wantirna South.

Celebrating 70 Years of Citizenship

On 26 January 2019, the Australian Government marked 70 years since Australian citizenship was introduced into law, creating for the first time a legal status of being uniquely Australian.

For 70 years, citizens have been working together to build a strong, united and prosperous Australia.

All citizens commit to Australia and its people, working together to increase the prosperity of our nation. In 2019 we celebrate the diverse stories of our citizens, the values that we share and the history we create together.

Find out more at www.homeaffairs.gov.au/auscitz70

2019 Citizenship Ceremonies

Evening Ceremonies
Candidate registration between 5:00pm - 6:15pm.
Ceremonies commence at 6:30pm.

The 2019 Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony commenced at 11:15am.

Saturday, 26 January 2019 (Australia Day)
Wednesday, 27 March 2019
Thursday, 16 May 2019
Thursday, 11 July 2019
Tuesday, 17 September 2019 (Citizenship Day)
Thursday, 21 November 2019

What to bring to the ceremony

What to bring

Your printed letter of invitation (sent to you by the Department of Home Affairs) and photo identification.

Please note if you don't supply the required identification you are unable to become a citizen.

Appropriate forms of photo identification are:

a driver's licence, or
a passport, or
another official document which includes a photograph

If you do not have any form of photographic identification you will need to bring at least three documents with you that include your name and address and signature, such as credit cards, bills and bank statements.

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Citizenship

What are the contact details for the Department of Home Affairs?

Phone 131 880 or visit the website on the link provided at the bottom of this page, or visit the Department's office in person at 2 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne Vic 3000.

How will I know when I should attend a Ceremony?

The Department of Home Affairs will send you a written letter of invitation about 3-4 weeks prior to the ceremony you have been allocated to attend. The letter of invitation will include the ceremony date and time, candidate registration times, as well as the paperwork you should bring for identification purposes.

If you are unable to attend the Ceremony on the advised date, you will need to contact the Department to make them aware as soon as possible.

How frequently are the Ceremonies held at Knox City Council?

Ceremonies are held approximately every 8 weeks at the Knox Civic Centre, 511 Burwood Highway, Wantirna South.

What time do the Ceremonies start and how long do they last for?

Evening Ceremonies commence at 6:30pm and conclude at approximately 7:30pm. It is suggested that candidates and their guests are seated by approximately 6:15pm.

Can I bring family or friends to watch?

Yes, you are welcome to bring family and friends along for support. Due to limited seating space, we do suggest that a limit of approximately three people per family attend. This will ensure everyone will be able to have a seat to watch the Ceremony. Guests are not required to provide identification, only candidates obtaining citizenship.

Parking at the Civic Centre?

Yes, there is unrestricted parking around the Civic Centre Precinct.

What happens at the end of the Ceremony? Do I have to stay until the very end?

New citizens and guests are welcome to stay for complimentary refreshments at the conclusion of the Ceremony, however you are not obliged to stay to the very end of the Ceremony once you have received your Certificate from the Presiding Officer.

Officers from the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) will also be in attendance. New citizens are encouraged to complete their electoral form after the ceremony and return to AEC officers.