Citizenship Ceremonies
Australian Citizenship Ceremonies are hosted by Council for Shire residents who have applied to become Australian citizens through the Department of Immigration.
Ceremonies are held throughout the year with one major ceremony on Australia Day. In addition to those benefits that come with permanent residence, the legal status of Australian Citizenship carries with it the right to:
- Vote and elect Australia's Government
- Stand for public office or nominate for election to Parliament
- Apply for an Australian passport and leave and enter the country without an entry visa
- Seek consular assistance from Australia's diplomatic representatives while overseas
- Apply to enlist in the armed forces and for government jobs
- Register children as Australian Citizens by descent
If you would like more information about becoming an Australian Citizen phone the Department of Immigration information line on 131 880 or visit http://www.citizenship.gov.au/
Citizenship Ceremonies 2013
Once your citizenship application has been approved by the Department of Immigration it takes 3 - 6 months before you will be inivited to attend a ceremony. Attendance to a ceremony to be come a Australian Citizen is by invitation only. A letter from the Department of Immigration is sent to candidates approximately three weeks prior to a ceremony date.
Ceremony Dates for 2013
- Thursday, 24 January 2013
- Monday, 18 March 2013
- Monday, 20 May 2013
- Monday, 22 July 2013
- Monday, 2 September 2013
- Monday, 11 November 2013
If you would like more information about the ceremony that you have been invited to attend, phone Council on +61 2 9843 0555
or email council-citizenship@thehills.nsw.gov.au
Urgent Request to attend a Citizenship Ceremony
In certain cases the Department of Immigration will allow candidates to attend an earlier Citizenship Ceremony because of personal circumstances.
Please complete the form below and forward it to the Department of Immigration. Please note: Council cannot approve early attendance to a ceremony, this can only be provided by the Department of Immigration.
Request for Urgent Citizenship Ceremony (26.11kB)
The Hills Shire Council can assist with the translation of information. Anyone requiring a translation or an interpreter can either visit Council's Administration Centre for assistance or contact the Telephone Interpreter Service (TIS) on 13 14 50 and ask an interpreter to call Council on +61 2 9843 0555 and enquire on their behalf.