Citizenship
How to apply to become an Australian citizen
The Australian Government Department of Home Affairs is responsible for everything about Australian citizenship. If you would like to enquire about becoming a Australian citizen or about your status in the waiting list, please contact the Department of Home Affairs on 131 880.
Although Council organizes and conducts Citizenship Ceremonies, Merri-bek City Council is not responsible for allocating candidates to ceremony dates. This is done by the Department of Home Affairs.
What happens after Australian citizenship is approved
When your application for Australian citizenship is approved, you will receive a letter from the Department of Home Affairs with the date and location of your Citizenship Ceremony.
Generally, your Citizenship Ceremony will be held at your local Council within 6 months from the time your application is approved, although waiting times can vary.
You must attend the Citizenship Ceremony as the final phase of being granted Australian citizenship.
Moreland City Council Citizenship Ceremonies
Moreland City Council conducts regular Citizenship Ceremonies to present new citizens with their Certificate of Australian Citizenship.
What happens at a Citizenship Ceremony
At the Citizenship Ceremony you are required to pledge your allegiance to Australia and its laws. The pledge you say will be the one you chose on your application form.
You are then presented with a Certificate of Australian Citizenship, which formally represents conferral of Australian citizenship.
Who attends Citizenship Ceremonies
The Mayor of Merri-bek presides over Citizenship Ceremonies and politicians who represent Merri-bek, both federal and state, are also invited.
We know how important Citizenship ceremonies are and wish to continue holding these events during the COVID pandemic. To minimise the possible risk to our community no guests are permitted currently at ceremonies. If any of your family attending is receiving their citizenship and is under 16 years of age they aren’t required to attend, so can stay away and you’ll be able to take their certificate on their behalf. If you have any COVID symptoms do not attend the ceremony and inform the Department of Home Affairs, they can then arrange an alternate date.
We trust you will understand the steps we’re taking are for everyone’s benefit.
If you require any special assistance, please contact Council on 9240 1111
What to bring to a Citizenship Ceremony
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 3 different documents which contain your name, address and/or signature. At least 2 of these must be on the identification you produce (such as credit card, bills for utilities or bank statements).
Dress Code
Smart casual dress is required, reflective of the importance of the occasion. National or cultural attire is welcome.
Time and location of Citizenship Ceremonies
Ceremonies take about 30-45 minutes and are held at the Coburg Town Hall, 90 Bell Street, Coburg.
Doors will open for registration 30 minutes before the ceremony commences.
Upcoming Citizenship ceremony dates
- Thursday 17 June: Two ceremonies will be held on this day.
- Ceremony 1 - doors open at 5:30pm for registration and at 6pm the ceremony starts - No guests permitted, candidates only.
- Ceremony 2 - doors open at 7:30pm for registration and at 8pm the ceremony starts - No guests permitted, candidates only.
- Thursday 15 July: doors open at 5:45pm for registration and at 6:30pm the ceremony starts - No guests permitted, candidates only.