Citizenship

The Shire of Katanning's role in the citizenship process is to conduct citizenship ceremonies and to present attending candidates with their citizenship certificates.

Prior to being eligible to take part in a citizenship ceremony, you must have completed your application process with the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) and have received your letter of approval from the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship.

The Shire receives candidate lists approximately every two to three weeks detailing those candidates who have received citizenship approval and are eligible to attend a ceremony.

The Shire of Katanning conducts around 10 - 12 ceremonies per year (every council meeting) one of those being the Australia Day Ceremony.  Candidates will be sent a letter confirming the date of their ceremony.

The ceremony consists of:

  • Reading of the Ministers Message
  • Citizenship Preamble
  • Pledges
  • Presentation of citizenship certificates
  • Presentation of citizenship gift
  • Singing the National Anthem

 

Frequently Asked Questions

I have received my letter of approval.  When can I attend a ceremony?

The Shire of Katanning is unable to provide you with a ceremony date until we receive notification from the DIAC that your citizenship has been approved.  These notifications are received from the DIAC approximately every two to three weeks.  Once the Shire has received this notification, you will be scheduled onto the next available citizenship ceremony and a letter of invitation will be sent out to you.

How long will I have to wait before I get an invitation to my ceremony?

Candidates will be sent a letter approximately 3 weeks prior to the ceremony.
It takes up to four weeks for the certificates to be ordered from Canberra and received by the Shire of Katanning.

Do I need to attend a ceremony to receive my certificate?

Yes.  Candidates are required to attend a citizenship ceremony and to make their Pledge in order to validate their citizenship and receive their certificate.

What if I can’t attend the next scheduled citizenship ceremony?

Notify us immediately of your unavailability and we will transfer your name and details to the next scheduled ceremony.

How long does the citizenship ceremony take?

The citizenship ceremony generally takes around 15 - 20 minutes.

When and where are the ceremonies held?

Ceremonies are held at 6.00pm on a Tuesday evening (fourth of the month before the Ordinary Council meeting) at the Council Chambers at 52 Austral Terrace Katanning.

What Pledge am I taking?  What is the difference between an oath and an affirmation?   

There are two Pledges, one that mentions God (oath) and one that does not (affirmation).  You would have nominated which Pledge you are making when you filled out your application form at the DIAC. The DIAC advise us of your nominated Pledge when they send us the candidate names.  You will receive your nominated Pledge on a Pledge card when you attend your ceremony.  If you are making an oath, you are welcome to bring a holy book of your choice to make your Pledge on.

Pledge 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".

Pledge 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".

May I bring guests along?

Yes.  

What is the dress code?

Smart attire is requested.

Can I take photographs?

Guests and candidates are invited to bring their own cameras and are welcome to take photographs during and after the ceremony.

I have lost my citizenship certificate, what should I do?

The Shire of Katanning cannot re-issue or replace citizenship certificates.  You will need to contact the DIAC on 131 880 to arrange a replacement certificate. 

When can I apply for an Australian passport?  

You must attend your ceremony and receive your citizenship certificate before you can apply for an Australian passport.  The original certificate will be needed when applying for the passport.  For more information about Australian passports, please visit or call the Australian Passport Office on 131 232.

For further information regarding Citizenship Ceremonies please contact the Shire of Katanning on 9821 9999 or ceosec@katanning.wa.gov.au or visit the DIAC website for more information.