Australian citizenship ceremonies

Citizenship Ceremonies

Welcome to Glen Eira City Council’s Citizenship Ceremonies.

Becoming an Australian citizen is an important and special occasion. We are proud to welcome new citizens on behalf of the Australian Government.

Citizenship Ceremonies are the final step in becoming an Australian citizen. At the ceremony, you will make the Australian Citizenship Pledge and receive your citizenship certificate.

If you’d like to become an Australian citizen, you must apply through the Department of Home Affairs (DHA).

On this page

• About Citizenship Ceremonies
• Ceremony dates and location
• What happens at the ceremony
• Your ceremony invitation
• What to bring
• Guests and seating
• If you cannot attend
• Accessibility and support
• Contact information
• Frequently asked questions

About Citizenship Ceremonies

Glen Eira City Council holds regular Citizenship Ceremonies on behalf of the Department of Home Affairs.

The Department of Home Affairs is responsible for:

• citizenship applications
• approvals
• ceremony allocations
• ceremony invitations

Glen Eira City Council is responsible for:

• hosting the ceremony
• venue management
• event arrangements
• accessibility support at the venue

You must attend a Citizenship Ceremony to become an Australian citizen.

For citizenship application information and waiting times, visit the Department of Home Affairs website or call 131 880.

Ceremony dates and location

Location

Glen Eira Town Hall

corner of Glen Eira and Hawthorn Road
Caulfield, Victoria 3162

2026 ceremony dates

• 15 July 2026
• 5 August 2026
• 17 September 2026
• 7 October 2026
• 11 November 2026
• 9 December 2026

Additional ceremonies may be scheduled during the year if needed.

What happens at the ceremony?

Please allow up to two hours for the ceremony.

The ceremony includes:

• a formal welcome
• speeches
• the Australian Citizenship Pledge
• presentation of citizenship certificates
• the Australian National Anthem

You become an Australian citizen after making the pledge.

Your ceremony invitation

The Department of Home Affairs will email your ceremony invitation approximately 3 to 4 weeks before your ceremony date.

Your invitation will include:

• the date and time
• arrival instructions
• guest information
• identification requirements
• What to do if unable to attend
• What to do if your circumstances or details have changed
• What to do after becoming an Australian citizen
• How to contact the Department of Home Affairs

Please check your email regularly, including your junk or spam folder.

Important

Glen Eira City Council cannot:

• book your ceremony
• change your ceremony date
• provide updates about application approvals

These matters are managed by the Department of Home Affairs.

What to bring

Please bring:

• your ceremony invitation
• one form of photo identification

Accepted photo ID includes:

• driver's licence
• passport
• official proof of age card
• another official document with your photograph

If you do not have photo ID

Bring three original documents showing your:

• name
• address
• signature

Examples include:

• bank statements
• utility bills
• credit card statements

Children under 16 becoming citizens

Children under 16 do not need to bring photo ID to the citizenship ceremony.

Children under 16 do not have to attend the ceremony or make the pledge, to receive their citizenship, but they are welcome and encouraged to attend.

If a child under 16 does not attend the ceremony their Citizenship Certificate will be given to their parents upon collection of their own certificate.

If a child was under 16 when they applied but has since turned 16, they do not need to make the Pledge. Their citizenship depends on their responsible parent making the Pledge. If the responsible parent does not attend the ceremony or does not make the Pledge, the child will not become an Australian citizen.

Children 16 or 17 years of age

Children 16 or 17 years of age must attend the Citizenship Ceremony and make the pledge to receive their Australian citizenship.

Children 16 or 17 years of age must bring one form of photo identification to the ceremony.

Accepted photo ID includes:

• driver's licence
• passport
• official proof of age card
• another official document with your photograph

Guests and seating

You are encouraged to bring family and friends to celebrate with you.

Guest information

• Candidates may bring guests to the ceremony.
• Guest numbers may vary depending on venue capacity – see your invitation for guest limits.
• Guest seating is separate from candidate seating.
• Guests should arrive before the ceremony start time.

Please contact Council before the ceremony if:

• you need additional guest seats
• you are bringing children without an adult guest
• you need special seating arrangements

Arrival times

Please arrive early to allow time for registration.

After registration:

• you will receive a seat number
• staff will direct you to your seat

Candidates and guests should be seated before the ceremony begins at 7:30pm.

What should I wear?

There are no formal dress requirements for Citizenship Ceremonies. Please wear something that makes you feel comfortable, confident and ready to celebrate this special occasion. We warmly welcome traditional cultural clothing and love seeing people honour their heritage as they mark this important milestone.

Parking and public transport

There is limited free parking available at Glen Eira Town Hall as well as surrounding streets.  

We encourage guests to:

• use public transport where possible
• allow extra travel time

The No.64 Tram stops right at Town Hall corner of Hawthorn & Glen Eira Roads.

The closest trains are Ripponlea and Caulfield Station (approx. 30-minute walk).

Photography and media

Photos may be taken during the ceremony for Council communication and promotional purposes.

If you do not wish to appear in photos or videos, please speak with staff when you arrive.

You are welcome to take personal photos after the ceremony.

Accessibility and support

We want all guests to feel welcome and comfortable.

Please contact Council before the ceremony if you need:

• wheelchair access
• accessible seating
• interpreter support
• hearing assistance
• support for children
• other accessibility assistance

If you cannot attend

If you cannot attend your ceremony, follow the instructions in your invitation as soon as possible.

The Department of Home Affairs advises that only exceptional circumstances should prevent attendance.

If you do not attend a ceremony within 12 months of approval, your citizenship approval may be reviewed or cancelled.

Applying for citizenship

Applications for Australian citizenship are managed by the Department of Home Affairs.

Glen Eira City Council cannot:

• process citizenship applications
• provide application updates
• approve citizenship

Contact the Department of Home Affairs

Citizenship enquiries

Phone: 131 880

General immigration enquiries

Phone: 131 881

Visit the Department of Home Affairs website for more information

Voting and Australian passports

Enrolling to vote

New citizens aged 18 years and over must enrol to vote.

Information about voting enrolment is available at the ceremony.

Applying for an Australian passport

After your ceremony, wait at least 10 days before applying for an Australian passport.

This allows time for your citizenship details to be updated in government systems.

Privacy information

Following the ceremony, Council may provide the names and addresses of new citizens to local Members of Parliament and Councillors for welcome purposes only.

This information must not be used for other purposes.

Who to contact

Contact Glen Eira City Council for:

• accessibility support
• guest seating requests
• venue information
• ceremony day assistance
• parking or transport questions

Phone: 03 9524 3333
Email: mail@gleneira.vic.gov.au

Contact the Department of Home Affairs for:

• citizenship applications
• approval status
• ceremony invitations
• waiting times
• changing ceremony dates

Phone: 131 880

Frequently asked questions

When will I receive my ceremony invitation?

The Department of Home Affairs usually sends invitations about 3 to 4 weeks before the ceremony.

Please do not contact Council about invitation timing. Most new citizens in Glen Eira attend a ceremony within three months of being approved for Australian citizenship.

Am I on the list for the next ceremony?

If you have not received an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs it means you have not yet been allocated into a ceremony. Please continue to wait for an invitation from the Department.

Can I choose my ceremony date or council area?

No. The Department of Home Affairs allocates ceremonies based on where you live.

Can I bring family and friends?

Yes. Family and friends are welcome to attend.

Please check your invitation for guest information.

Can I sit with my guests?

No. Candidates and guests usually sit in separate areas during the ceremony.

What happens if I am late?

Please arrive early. Late arrival may affect your registration and participation.

What if I need language or accessibility support?

Please contact Council before the ceremony so we can help arrange support.

Welcome to Australia

We look forward to celebrating this important milestone with you and your family.

Congratulations on becoming an Australian citizen and welcome to the Glen Eira community.