Citizenship

Choosing to become an Australian Citizen is an important expression of commitment to Australia.

Initial enquiries regarding Australian citizenship, applications and approval should be directed to Australian Citizenship. The Department of Home Affairs is open from 8.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday and can be contacted directly on 131 880.

Once a citizenship application has been approved, the Department of Home Affairs will provide a list of candidates to Council for the upcoming ceremony. Council will then invite candidates to the ceremony and advice the citizenship ceremony details.

Attending a Citizenship Ceremony

Edward River Council conducts Citizenship Ceremonies at the Peppin Heritage Centre on George Street, Deniliquin, throughout the year to coincide with important national celebrations, namely:

  • Australia Day (January 26);
  • Queen’s Birthday (June 12); and
  • Australian Citizenship Day (17 September).

Council facilitates other Citizenship Ceremonies throughout the year on as-needed basis.

Day of the Ceremony

What to wear

People attending Citizenship Ceremonies usually wear smart casual clothing. If you wish to wear your traditional dress, you are more than welcome to do so.

What to bring

You will need to bring the following documentation with you to the Citizenship Ceremony and present it on arrival:

1. One of the following forms of identification:

  • Driver’s Licence; or
  • Passport; or
  • Official document which includes a photograph; or
  • If you do not have any photographic identification, at least three (3) documents bearing your name, address and signature (eg. bank statements, credit cards or utility bills).

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

2. If you want to make the pledge on a Sacred Book other than the Bible, please make sure you bring the book to the Citizenship Ceremony.

What happens at the Citizenship Ceremony?

Please ensure that you arrive at the venue at the time stated on the invitation letter and make contact with a Council Officer present.

Please note that Citizenship Ceremonies may attract media attention and representatives from the local media may attend  ceremonies to film or photograph the ceremony.

The Citizenship Ceremony will usually run for approximately 30 minutes. Please allow extra time for registration, seating and photographs at the conclusion of the ceremony.

It will be necessary for you to make a Pledge of Commitment and this will take the form of either an Oath on the Bible or Sacred Book of your religion, or my making an Affirmation. A pledge card with the words of the Australian Citizenship Pledge will be provided to you on the day.

Citizenship Certificate

After you become an Australian Citizenship, you will be provided a Citizenship Certificate. This is an important legal document, which you should look after. You will need it when you apply for an Australian passport.