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Community Directory

Citizenship ceremonies

Australian Citizenship Ceremonies are held at Council for residents who wish to become Australian citizens.

About Australian Citizenship 

Australia is a diverse society, one that celebrates the richness of its community.

Citizenship is a way of uniting and gathering the people of Australia as one. It is about people sharing in the common goal of making Australia an even better place, building on their diverse heritages.

Becoming an Australian Citizen

Detailed information can be obtained by visiting the Department of Immigration's web site.

A citizenship application form can be completed on line, or collected from your local Post Office. If you have difficulties obtaining a form, please phone Council on 02 6643 0245.

Once your application is approved, the Mayor of your local Council (or the General Manager should the Mayor be absent) bestows your citizenship.

Citizenship Ceremonies 

Australian Citizenship Ceremonies are held at Council for residents who wish to become Australian citizens. Citizenship ceremonies have an important symbolic role because they formally welcome new citizens from many cultures into the Australian family.

The ceremony is a formal part of the citizenship process. A person becomes an Australian citizen on the date he or she attends the citizenship ceremony and makes the Pledge of commitment to Australia.

Clarence Valley Council has developed several options for the ceremonies:

• An annual ceremony as part of Australia Day activities. 
• From 2007, an annual ceremony on Australia Citizenship Day which is held on 17th September.
• An individual or small group ceremony, with family and friends also welcome.
• An individual private ceremony.

The citizenship ceremonies are simple yet dignified occasions. The main elements include: 

• Official welcome 
• An address by the Mayor 
• Pledge of commitment to Australia 
• Presentation of certificates of Australian citizenship 
• Presentation of gift of a tree or shrub to all new citizens 
• Completion of an application for the Electoral Roll

All enquiries about Council's role in Citizenship should be directed to the Office of the Mayor on 02 6643 0245.