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.

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.

Citizenship ceremonies are simple and dignified occasions. Nambucca Valley Council hosts up to 2 ceremonies during each year, in particular on days of significance to Australia such as on Australia Day in January, and Australian Citizenship Day in September. 
Other ceremonies are also held throughout the year dependent on how many people are on waitlists.

Further information on Councils ceremonies please contact 02 6568 2555.

Becoming an Australian Citizen

The legal status of being an Australian Citizen 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 re-enter the country without a resident return 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.

All applications for Citizenship need to be made directly to the Department of Home Affairs.

Further information and to start your application visit the Department of Immigration's Australian Citizenship website.