Australian Citizenship

Council recognises the importance of becoming an Australian Citizen and endeavours to make this occasion both memorable and rewarding, in a welcoming, relaxed and informal atmosphere.

Enquiries regarding Australian Citizenship should be directed to the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs (DIMA) on 131 880 or by visiting the Australian Citizenship website.  The nearest Immigration office is located at 51 Princes Highway, Dandenong.

Application kits are available from the following outlets:

• The Citizenship Information Line 131 880.
• Australian Citizenship website.
• Selected Australia Post outlets.
• Latrobe City Service Centres.

Completed application forms must be returned to the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs (DIMA) for processing.  Postal address – Private Bag 5001, Dandenong  3175.

Once your application is approved you will receive a letter of approval from DIMA and your Australian Citizenship certificate will be sent to Latrobe City Council, who will in turn invite you to attend the next available citizenship ceremony.

At the ceremony:

• You will be asked to make the Pledge of Commitment in English.
• You will receive your Certificate of Australian Citizenship, a memento card displaying the words of the Pledge and an Australian native plant gifted from Council.
• You will be given a personalised electoral enrolment form produced from the information you provide in your citizenship application.  You will be asked to check the details on the form, sign and have it witnessed, and then pass it on to a Council officer attending the ceremony, or return to the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) by post.

The Mayor conducts the ceremony, and on occasion local Members of Parliament may be in attendance.  The ceremony concludes with light refreshments being served to help candidates celebrate their new status.  Family and friends are most welcome to attend these ceremonies.

You become an Australian Citizen on the date you attend your citizenship ceremony and make the Pledge of Commitment as a Citizen of the Commonwealth of Australia.  Your certificate will be your legal proof of Australian Citizenship.

From this time forward, under God*
I pledge my loyalty to Australia and its people
whose democratic beliefs I share
whose rights and liberties I respect; and
whose laws I will uphold and obey.

*A person may choose whether or not to use the words "under God".

Enquiries regarding Citizenship can be directed to our Mayoral Support Team.