Citizenship
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship is responsible for everything about Australian Citizenship.
Moreland City Council holds Citizenship Ceremonies every two months where new citizens get their Certificate of Australian Citizenship.
How do I apply to become an Australian citizen?
To apply to become an Australian citizen you need to contact the Department of Immigration and Citizenship on 131 880 or see Applying for Citizenship on the citizenship website. The Department tells you if you are eligible to become an Australian citizen and how to apply.
The Melbourne office at Casselden Place, 2 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, is the nearest office for Moreland residents.
Application forms for Australian citizenship
Get an application form from:
- a Council Citizens Service Centre
- at the Department of Immigration and Citizenship office, or
- download a form from the Citizenship website.
Which ceremony do I attend?
Successful applicants must attend a Citizenship Ceremony as the final phase of their being granted Australian citizenship.
When your application has been approved, your name goes on a waiting list for a Citizenship Ceremony.
You get a letter from the Department with the date and location of the Citizenship Ceremony. If you urgently need to attend a ceremony, the Department may make special arrangements for you.
What happens at a Citizenship Ceremony?
Candidates need to register on the day of the ceremony with a Council Officer, no later than 10 minutes before the ceremony begins. Bring along your letter from the Department and photo identification (for example, a passport or drivers licence).
At the ceremony, successful applicants are required to pledge their allegiance to Australia and its laws. They are then presented with a Certificate of Australian Citizenship, which formally represents conferral of Australian citizenship.
The Mayor of Moreland presides over citizenship ceremonies. A feature of Council’s citizenship ceremony program is the delivery of a keynote address on citizenship by a prominent member of the community. Politicians that represent Moreland, both federal and state, are invited to attend Citizenship Ceremonies.
Upcoming Citizenship Ceremonies in 2012
- Thursday 26 January (Australia Day)
- Thursday 8 March
- Thursday 31 May
- Thursday 19 July
- Thursday 30 August
- Thursday 18 October
- Thursday 6 December
Time and place of Citizenship Ceremonies
Ceremonies are held at Coburg Town Hall and usually begin at 6.30 pm. Doors open at 5.45 pm to allow registration of candidates.The Australia Day ceremony on 26 January 2011 is planned to be held at the Coburg Town Hall commencing at 10.30 am. Doors open at 9.45 am to allow registration of candidates.
Candidates are welcome to bring guests to the ceremony to share this special occasion.
