Frequently Asked Questions
When and where are Australian Citizenship ceremonies held?
Mackay Regional Council hosts six (6) ceremonies throughout the year for information on dates of ceremonies, or to make a booking, please contact the Department of Immigration & Border Protection on 131 880. Family and friends are invited to attend the ceremonies.
The Mayor officiates and as part of the council ceremony new citizens receive a voucher for an orchid and a photographic memento.
Day of the Ceremony
What to Wear People attending citizenship ceremonies usually wear smart casual clothing. If you wish to wear your traditional dress you are more than welcome to do so.
What to Bring You will need to bring the following documentation with you to the ceremony and present it on arrival:-
1. One of the following forms of identification:-
- Driver's Licence; or
- Passport; or
- Official document which includes a photograph; or
- If you do not have any photographic identification, at least 3 documents bearing your name, address and signature (eg. bank statements, credit cards or bills)
Please note: children under 16 years of age do not need to provide identification
2. If you want to make the pledge of commitment on a holy book please ensure you bring the book to the ceremony.
What happens at the Ceremony Please ensure that you arrive at the venue at the time on the invitation letter and make contact with council's Corporate Communications representative, who coordinates council's citizenship ceremonies.
Please note that Citizenship Ceremonies may attract media attention and representatives from the local media may attend ceremonies to film or photograph the ceremony. Please advise council's Corporate Communications Officer prior to the event if you do not wish to be filmed or photographed.
Allow two (2) hours for the citizenship ceremony even though the ceremony itself will only take approximately an hour. This extra time allows for registration, seating and photographs at the conclusion of the ceremony.
It will be necessary for you to make a Pledge of Commitment and this will take the form of either an Oath on the Bible or Sacred Book of your Religion, or by making an Affirmation. A pledge card with the words of the Australian Citizenship Pledge will be provided to you on the day. The pledges are as follows:-
Australian Citizenship Pledge No. 1 (Oath)“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”.
Australian Citizenship Pledge No. 2 (Affirmation) “From this time forward,
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”.
Ceremony Conclusion - A photographer will be present at the ceremony and you will be invited to have your photograph taken with the Mayor. A digital copy of your photograph will be emailed directly to your email address within two weeks of the ceremony. This photograph is provided to you as a gift from council and it's the candidate's responsibility to print copies of the photo if required. Please note - the candidate photos will be emailed to all candidates as a link to download the photo and the download link may include other candidate's photos who also attended the event.
Once the ceremony is completed you will also be able to put your name on the electoral roll, by scanning a QR code so that you can vote in Australian elections.
Your Certificate
Your certificate is an important legal document, which you should look after. You will need it when you apply to get an Australian passport.