Australian Citizenship Ceremonies

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The Colac Otway Shire Council is proud to host citizenship ceremonies on behalf of the Department of Home Affairs. The Department of Home Affairs is responsible for all matters in relation to applications for Australian citizenship, including citizenship ceremonies. Information relating to your citizenship application, including how to apply, standard processing times, and where to find the status of your application can be found on the Department of Home Affairs websiteExternal Link

Please note: Colac Otway Shire Council is unable to access information relating to matters with the Department of Home Affairs and therefore we are unable to assist with enquiries of this nature.

If you are interested in becoming a new citizen and would like further information, please contact the Department of Home Affairs Citizenship Enquiry Number on 131 880.

For any enquiries regarding visas or visa applications please call 131 881.

Citizenship Ceremony

A citizenship ceremony is where you make the Australian citizenship pledge of commitment. For most people, this is the final step in the journey to becoming an Australian.

The Colac Otway Shire Council currently holds three (3) citizenship ceremonies per year. The dates for 2023 are as follows:

- Thursday 26th January

- Thursday 4th May 

- Friday 15th September

Ceremony Attendees

The Department of Home Affairs provides local government councils with a list of approved conferees who are waiting to attend a citizenship ceremony in their local area approximately four weeks before the scheduled date of the Citizenship Ceremony. Councils must use this list as the basis for planning the ceremony and do not have the authority to make changes to this list. 

As such any requests to be included in an upcoming Colac Otway Shire Citizenship ceremony must be referred to the Department of Home Affairs on 131 880, where they will be assessed and a decision made.

Please note:  The Department of Home Affairs will notify a new citizen in the first instance, of their date of ceremony NOT the Colac Otway Shire

Rescheduling ceremonies

If you cannot attend your allocated ceremony, you must contact the Department of Home Affairs. 

What to bring to the ceremony

The length of the ceremony is normally between 30-40 minutes, depending on the number of conferees. Conferees are required to arrive at the venue prior to the commencement of the ceremony in order to register their attendance and complete their electoral enrolment forms.

You need to bring your invitation to the ceremony and one form of photo identification:

  • driver's licence
  • passport, or
  • an official document with a photograph

If your documents are not in English, you must provide official translations.

If you do not have photo identification, then bring at least three documents showing your name, address and signature:

  • bank statements
  • utility bills, or
  • credit card statements

If you are under 16, you do not need to bring photo identification.

If you want to make the Australian citizenship pledge on a holy book, bring a book with you to the ceremony.

What to wear 

The ceremony is an important event where you make a commitment to Australia. You and your guests should be dressed in formal or smart casual clothing, or your national or cultural dress, and groomed to reflect its significance.

If the ceremony is being held outdoors, you may want to take a hat and some sunscreen.

Your invitation to the ceremony may include additional information regarding the standard of dress required for the ceremony.

For further information on becoming an Australian citizen, please visit the Department of Home Affairs website.