Choosing to become an Australian Citizen demonstrates your personal loyalty and commitment to Australia and its people. In a way, it is the final step in the migration journey and in making Australia home. Becoming a citizen represents a commitment to Australia and its people. It gives a sense of belonging because you can fully participate in all aspects of Australian life.
Ararat Rural City Council places a high importance on being able to facilitate Citizenship ceremonies on behalf of the Federal Government.
So if you are a permanent resident and you have lived in Australia for two or more years, you may be eligible to apply for Citizenship.
Applications and enquiries
Application forms and further information can be obtained from the Department of Home Affairs or telephone the Citizenship Information line on 131 880, where an interpreting service is also available.
Once your application has been approved you will receive a letter of approval from the Department. The Department will then advise Ararat Rural City Council of your approval and send Council a formal invite list. If you are on the Department’s formal invite list, Council will automatically invite you to the next scheduled ceremony.
If you receive your approval from the Department within one month of the next upcoming ceremony, the Department will generally include you in the next round of invites due to scheduling and certificate lead-in time requirements.
Eligibility Requirements and Final Step
The role of Local Government Councils is to confer Australian Citizenship once the application is approved by the Department of Home Affairs.
Citizenship ceremonies are warm, friendly events where you celebrate becoming an Australian citizen. You are able to invite family and close friends to attend a ceremony and share in this celebration. Specified dates for a ceremony can be arranged once notification of approval has been received from the Department of Immigration.
The Mayor conducts the ceremony and on occasion local Members of Parliament may be in attendance. You become an Australian Citizen on the date you attend your citizenship ceremony and make the Pledge of Commitment as a Citizen of the Commonwealth of Australia.
Your Citizenship Certificate, which is presented at the ceremony, will be your legal proof of Australian Citizenship.
Ararat Rural City Council has no involvement in approving your application.
For any further information regarding Citizenship Ceremonies held within Ararat Rural City please contact Council directly on 03 5355 0200 or email [email protected].
