Citizenship ceremonies

To start the process of becoming a citizen, please visit the Department of Home Affairs. This department handles the entire process, from starting the application to inviting applicants to attend a ceremony to make their pledge.

You can contact the Department of Home Affairs in the following ways:

• Via their website
• Phone 131 881
• In person at 2 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne

Once your citizenship application has been approved, the Department of Home Affairs will send successful applicants an invitation to attend the next available citizenship ceremony.

Please note: Council does not handle the application process of becoming an Australian citizen.

The two items you must bring with you are the invitation to the ceremony and one form of photo ID. 

Photo identification may be the following:

• Driver’s license
• Passport
• An official document with your photograph

If your documents are not in English, please provide official translations.

If you do not have photo ID, then bring at least three documents that show your name, address and signature.

For example:

• Bank statements
• Credit card statements
• Utility bills like electricity, gas or water

Citizenship ceremonies: 

10.00am, 26 January
Victory Park, Castlemaine 

1.00pm, 3 May
Council Chamber, Civic Centre, Castlemaine 

1.00pm, 6 September
Council Chamber, Civic Centre, Castlemaine

Citizenship ceremonies take place at Council’s Civic Centre, Corner Lyttleton Street and Lloyd Street, Castlemaine. 

Citizenship ceremonies are special events and we encourage new citizens to dress in formal or smart casual clothing, including national or cultural dress.

Your invitation may contain more information relating to the standard of dress.

Becoming an Australian citizen is a celebration, and you’re welcome to bring family or friends with you to observe the official ceremony.

You might like to bring a phone or camera to mark this momentous occasion with photographs.

Contact the Department of Home Affairs directly for any queries about the application process including ceremony dates.

The department can be reached over the phone on 131 881 during business hours, Monday-Friday.