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Page Last Updated:
Wednesday, 17 June 2009 |
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Home>About the Council>Citizenship Ceremonies
| Under the Citizenship Act 1948, the Council conducts Citizenship Ceremonies on behalf of the Commonwealth Government.
Ceremonies for Hobsons Bay's residents take place at the Williamstown Town Hall and are conducted by the Mayor of Hobsons Bay.
Successful applicants are required to attend a citizenship ceremony as the final step of being granted Australian citizenship. At the ceremony, applicants must pledge their allegiance to Australia and its laws. They are then presented with a Certificate of Australian Citizenship.
Ceremonies are usually held every two months (Jan/Mar/May/Jul/Sep/Nov) depending upon arrangements made by the Council with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC).
Proposed dates for 2009 are:
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 | Wednesday, 18th March | | Wednesday, 20th May | | Wednesday, 22nd July | | Wednesday, 16th September | | Wednesday, 11th November.
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| Successful applicants are sent a written invitation by DIAC, advising them of the time, date and location of the ceremony.
Invitations are sent approximately six to eight weeks after formal notification has been received by the applicant of the success of their application for citizenship.
Applicants who are unable to attend the ceremony on the nominated date should contact DIAC on tel: 131 880.
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| Applications | | Applications for citizenship should be made to the DIAC by phoning tel: 131 880 or online at www.immi.gov.au.
Applicants are advised in writing by DIAC if their application has been successful.
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| Voting by New Citizens | | All new citizens over the age of 18 must enrol to vote. This can be completed at the Citizenship ceremony and entitles new citizens to vote at Commonwealth, state and Council elections.
Voting at elections is compulsory and there are fines for failure to do so without a valid reason.
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