Citizenship Ceremonies
When is the next Australian Citizenship Ceremony conducted by Moree Plains Shire Council?
Moree Plains Shire Council hosts citizenship ceremonies throughout the year depending on the number of candidates and the Council's schedule.
How will I know when my Citizenship Ceremony will be conducted?
Once your application for citizenship has been approved, you will receive a letter from the Minister for Home Affairs. Council will also be notified by the Department of Home Affairs and will contact you to advise when the next ceremony is scheduled. If you need to attend a citizenship ceremony by a particular date, please advise Home Affairs in writing or call 131 881.
What is Australian Citizenship?
Australian citizenship symbolises our unity as a nation. It represents commitment to Australia and its people, the values we share and our common future. It also symbolises the sense of belonging to the country where we have been born or where we have decided to make our home.
How do I become an Australian Citizen?
To become an Australian Citizen start the process by contacting the Department of Home Affairs on 131 880 or follow the link to the website for further details: https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/ . As part of the process, you will do a citizenship test which is designed to assess whether you have an adequate knowledge of Australia and the responsibilities and privileges of Australian citizenship. It may take 6-8 months from your test to when Council recieves notification that we can conduct your Citizenship Ceremony.
Australian Citizenship Ceremonies
Becoming an Australian citizen is something to celebrate. Citizenship ceremonies mark this important milestone in the lives of new 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. You become an Australian citizen on the date you attend the citizenship ceremony and make the Pledge of commitment to Australia. Usually, ceremonies are hosted by local government councils in a town hall or other building of significance. Once your application for citizenship has been approved, you will receive a letter with details of your citizenship ceremony. Generally it can take up to a few months, depending on where you live. If you need to attend a citizenship ceremony by a particular date, please advise your local office of the Department in writing. Ceremonies may vary slightly but the main elements are:
- Official welcome
- An address by a special guest or the Mayor
- Pledge of commitment to Australia
- Presentation of certificates of Australian citizenship
- Presentation of a gift to all new citizens
- Singing of the national anthem, Advance Australia Fair
- Refreshments
The Australian National Flag
The Australian FlagThe Australian National Flag identifies a free and democratic people in a nation united in purpose. Our National Flag belongs equally to all Australians whatever their origins. Each symbol on the flag has a special meaning for Australians.
- The stars of the Southern Cross represent our geographical position in the Southern Hemisphere,
- The Commonwealth Star symbolises our federation of States and Territories,
- The Crosses stand for the principles on which our nation is based - namely, Parliamentary Democracy, Rule of the Law and Freedom of Speech.
It is the right and privilege of every Australian to fly the Australian National Flag.
Where do I find more information about becoming an Australian Citizen?
For further information on becoming an Australian Citizen contact the following:
- The Citizenship Information Line on 131 880 if you are based in Australia
- Visit the Department of Home Affairs website at https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/trav/citi