Civic Ceremonies

Citizenship ceremonies are administered by Murrindindi Shire Council on behalf of the Department of Home Affairs and are performed by appointment only.

Australian citizenship is an important step in your migration story. Becoming an Australian citizen means that you are making an ongoing commitment to Australia and our shared values. It is also the beginning of your formal membership of the Australian community. It is the step that will enable you to say 'I am Australian'.

There are a number of ways to become and Australian citizen, to check your eligibility, please visit the Department of Home Affairs - Immigration and Citizenship website here.

Responsibilities and privileges of Australian citizenship

Responsibilities - what you will give Australia

As an Australian citizen you must:

  • obey the laws of Australia
  • vote in federal and state or territory elections, and in a referendum
  • defend Australia should the need arise
  • serve on jury duty if called to do so

Privileges - what Australia will give you

As an Australian citizen you can:

  • vote in federal and state or territory elections, and in a referendum
  • apply for children born overseas to become Australian citizens by descent
  • apply for a job in the Australian Public Service or in the Australian Defence Force
  • seek election to parliament
  • apply for an Australian passport and re-enter Australia freely
  • ask for consular assistance from an Australian official while overseas

Making a pledge

At your Australian citizenship ceremony, you will make the Australian Citizenship Pledge. In doing so, you are making a public commitment to Australia and accepting the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship.

At the citizenship ceremony, you will pledge:

  • your loyalty to Australia and its people
  •  that you will share Australia’s democratic beliefs and respect its rights and liberties
  • to uphold and obey the laws of Australia

You do not become an Australian citizen until you have made your pledge of commitment to Australia.

To learn more about being an Australian citizen, please visit the Department of Home Affairs website or call the Citizenship Information line on 131 880 during business hours.