Becoming an Australian citizen

Council hosts citizenship ceremonies to welcome new citizens into the Australian community.

Once your citizenship application is approved by the Department of Home Affairs, your name is provided to council for the next ceremony. Council will then invite you to attend and give you all the details. 

Citizenship ceremonies are held at the MECC (Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre) several times a year. Invitations are sent out 3 - 4 weeks before each ceremony.

Citizenship-ceremony.jpg

What to wear and bring

  • Attire is smart casual or traditional dress
  • Please bring along:
    • Photo ID (Driver’s License, passport or other official document)
    • If no photo ID: Three documents with your name, address and signature (e.g., bills, bank statements)
    • Children under 16 do not need ID
    • Optional: Holy book for pledge

 

Attending a ceremony

  • Arrive on time and check in with council staff
  • Family and friends are welcome to attend
  • The ceremony lasts about two hours (including registration and photos)
  • Media may be present - please notify council if you prefer not to be filmed/photographed

 

During the ceremony

  • The ceremony is officiated by the Mayor
  • You will be required to make a Pledge of Commitment (Oath or Affirmation)
  • You will receive your Citizenship Certificate (a legal document needed for an Australian passport. Contact Home Affairs for any corrections)
  • Our new citizens also receive a gift from council of a free native plant

After the ceremony

  • Opportunities available to have photos taken with the Mayor by council (generally emailed within two weeks)
  • Light refreshments are served
  • You can register to vote via a QR code available

 

 

Department of Home Affairs

If you have questions about becoming a citizen, applying or getting approved, please visit the Department of Home Affairs

Ceremony dates for 2026

  • Monday, January 26 (Australia Day)
  • Friday, March 20
  • Thursday, July 9
  • Thursday, September 17
  • Friday, November 6

(Ceremonies commence at 5.30pm except on Australia Day at 10am)

 

Location

MECC

258 Alfred Street, Mackay QLD 4740

 

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