AUSTRALIAN CITIZENSHIP
Applicant Information
APPLYING FOR AUSTRALIAN CITIZENSHIP
If you are considering applying for Australian Citizenship, the first step is to contact the
Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) on 131 880 or to visit
www.citizenship.gov.au.
Council is not able to assist with any enquiries regarding the completion of the Citizenship
Application Form.
Once an application for Citizenship is approved by DIAC, an invitation will be sent to you to
attend the next available Citizenship Ceremony. If you urgently need to attend a ceremony,
you will need to contact the Department who may make special arrangements for you.
Successful applicants must attend a Citizenship Ceremony as the final phase of their being
granted Australian citizenship.
CITIZENSHIP CEREMONIES
Council conducts regular Citizenship Ceremonies throughout the year.
Although Council organise and conduct Citizenship Ceremonies, the City of Melton is not
responsible for allocating candidates to ceremony dates. This is the decision of the
Department of Immigration and Citizenship.
If you would like to inquire about your status in the waiting list, please contact the DIAC on
131 880.
What happens at a Citizenship Ceremony?
Candidates will receive a detailed invitation from Council confirming their Citizenship
Ceremony date and location, and other important information.
At the ceremony, successful applicants are required to make a pledge of commitment as a
citizen of the Commonwealth of Australia. All new citizens are then presented with a
Certificate of Australian Citizenship, which formally represents conferral of Australian
Citizenship.
The Mayor of Melton presides over Citizenship Ceremonies. Members of Parliament, that
represent the City of Melton, Local, State and Federal, are also invited to attend Citizenship
Ceremonies.
What happens if I cannot attend a Citizenship Ceremony?
Contact the Department of Immigration and Citizenship if you have a special request or
cannot attend your assigned ceremony.
If you do not attend your assigned ceremony, your Citizenship Certificate will be returned to
the DIAC, and your name will be placed back on the Departments waiting list to attend a
ceremony.
GOV-2
Page 1 of 2
AUSTRALIAN CITIZENSHIP
Applicant Information
Time and place of Citizenship Ceremonies
All ceremonies are held at Melton Community Hall, 232 High Street, Melton and begin
at 7.00pm (unless advised otherwise). Doors open at 6.00pm to allow for registration of
candidates.
The Australia Day Celebrations on 26 January are held at The Willows Historical Park, Cnr
Reserve Road and Nixon Street, Melton. The Citizenship ceremony commences at 11am. The
event is open from 9.30am to allow for registration of candidates.
Free parking is available at all venues.
Candidates are welcome to bring guests to all ceremonies to share this special occasion.
Registration at the Citizenship Ceremony
Candidates must register on the day of their ceremony with Council officers:

Registration must be completed no later than 10 minutes before the ceremony begins.

Bring along your letter from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship.

Bring along photo identification (eg. passport or drivers licence).
Important Information
Electoral enrolment and voting at Federal, State and Local Government Elections is
compulsory for all Australian citizens (by birth or naturalisation) 18 years of age or older.
All candidates over 17 years of age will be required to complete the Application for
Enrolment on the Australian Electoral Role. Staff from the Australian Electoral Commission
(AEC) staff will be in attendance at the Citizenship ceremony to assist candidates with this
process.
Schedule of Ceremonies for 2013
Saturday, 26 January 2013
Monday, 4 March 2013
Monday, 13 May 2013
Monday, 24 June 2013
Monday, 15 July 2013
Thursday, 1 August 2013
GOV-2
Page 2 of 2