Australian Citizenship Ceremonies

The City of Auburn Local Government area has residents from 103 different countries and is one of Sydney’s most culturally enriched communities. Auburn Council conducts Citizenship Ceremonies twice a month for residents of the City of Auburn Local Government area wishing to become Australian citizens.  The Ceremonies are conducted under the auspices of the Department of Immigration & Multicultural & Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA). Auburn City Council’s role is to conduct the Ceremonies and is not a point of contact for those wishing to take out Australian Citizenship. Listed within this section are the most frequently asked questions about obtaining Australian Citizenship as well as contact details for DIMIA.

60th Anniversary of Australian Citizenship

On 26 January 1949, the Nationality and Citizenship Act 1948 (now known as the Australian Citizenship Act 2007) came into effect, creating the status of Australian citizenship. 2009 marks 60 years of Australian citizenship.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q:    Where can I obtain an Application Form for Citizenship?

A:    Application forms for Australian Citizenship can be obtained from Council’s Customer Service Counter, from the Department of Immigration & Multicultural & Indigenous Affairs at the Parramatta Commonwealth Offices or the Citizenship Website www.citizenship.gov.au.

Q:    How do I know when my ceremony is?

A:    Once DIMIA has sent your letter granting you citizenship, the Department will then send you a letter of invitation advising you where and when your Ceremony will take place.  

**    Until a Pledge List is received from DIMIA for the conducting of a Ceremony, Council has no prior knowledge of a Conferee’s details or what Ceremony they are to be included in.

Q:    What if I cannot attend the Ceremony?

A:    Please advise Council that you cannot attend, we in turn will advise DIMIA and you will be allocated another Ceremony date.  If you fail to attend 3 Ceremonies in a row your application will be cancelled and you will need to re-apply for your Citizenship.

Q:    How do I get my Citizenship?

A:    Council is only responsible for conducting Citizenship Ceremonies.  We have no input with applications, approvals or certifications.  All enquiries about applications and approvals need to be directed to the Department of Immigration’s Citizenship Section on 131 880 or at www.citizenship.gov.au

Q:    How long will the Ceremony go for?

A:    All Conferees must arrive for registration by 5.15pm for registration purposes.  The Ceremony commences at 6.00pm and usually ends no later than 7.00 pm.  Light refreshments are provided at the completion of the Ceremony.  

**    If a Conferee arrives after the commencement of the Ceremony they will not be allowed to participate in the ceremony, their Certificate will be returned to the Department and another Ceremony date will have to be allocated.

Q:    What do I need to bring?

A:    Proof of Identity (Licence, Passport, Visa etc) and your invitation letter from the Department.

Q:    Can I bring guests?

A:    Yes, Conferees are seated together for the Ceremony.  A separate area is designated for the seating of guests.  Your guests will not be able to sit next to you during the ceremony.

Q:    Can photographs be taken at the Ceremony?

A:    Official photographs are taken as Conferees receive their Australian Citizenship Certificate from the Mayor.  We prefer guests to remain in their seats until the end of the Ceremony.  At the completion of the Ceremony the Mayor and dignitaries will be available for photographs with Conferees.