Our friendly staff look forward to assisting with your enquiry.
We conduct citizenship ceremonies on behalf of the Department of Home Affairs.
We do not handle the application process of becoming an Australian citizen.
The Department handles all aspects of applying to become a citizen and inviting applicants to attend a ceremony where they will make their Australian Citizenship Pledge.
Please visit the Department of Home Affairs website or contact them on 131 880 for information about becoming an Australian Citizen.
Upcoming Citizenship Ceremonies
Citizenship ceremonies are livestreamed and can be viewed on Council’s YouTube channel ‘EastGippyTV’.
We hold four citizenship ceremonies per year. The first is held on Australia Day, 26 January, and a ceremony is also held on Australian Citizenship Day in September.
Next ceremony: Thursday 20 July 2023
Last ceremony: Thursday 11 May 2023
For more details on Citizenship Ceremonies, please contact us at civicevents@egipps.vic.gov.au or phone 5153 9500.
When can I take part in a citizenship ceremony
We are notified when candidates are approved for this step by the Department of Home Affairs.
We will then invite the candidate to participate in the next ceremony.
We know it is an important decision to become an Australian citizen and we aim to make each ceremony memorable and personal. We send each candidate a personalised photograph to remember the day.
For further information on citizenship ceremonies contact the Civic Events Officer on 5153 9500 or feedback@egipps.vic.gov.au
A citizenship ceremony is the final step towards becoming an Australian citizen; it is where candidates publicly make the Pledge of Commitment as citizens of the Commonwealth of Australia.
East Gippsland welcomed nine new citizens on Thursday, May 11.
The conferees, from seven countries, including Canada, England, Philippines, Scotland, Serbia, Taiwan and Vietnam, became Australian citizens at a ceremony held in Bairnsdale and hosted by East Gippsland Shire Council.
This makes a total of 42 new citizens welcomed in East Gippsland this year. They have originated from across the world predominately from Canada, Europe and Philippines.
Mayor Cr Mark Reeves said citizenship ceremonies are one of the highlights of his role.
“Welcoming people from all walks of life and all corners of the globe to East Gippsland changes our community for the better. I am absolutely thrilled that nine new citizens have chosen to live in our wonderful part of the world,” Cr Reeves said.
“It was a pleasure to make them ‘official’ Aussies and for them to be joined by family and friends in marking the milestone. Some have been living in Australia, and East Gippsland, for many years while others are more recent arrivals. Either way, East Gippsland offers a great way of life and opportunities to be involved in our community.”
Council offers four citizenship ceremonies each year on behalf of the Department of Home Affairs.
Attending a citizenship ceremony is the final step in the journey to become an Australian citizen and receive a certificate of Australian Citizenship. The ceremony fulfils the requirements under Australian citizenship law and provides an opportunity for Council to officially welcome its new citizens.
The ceremony was live streamed and can be viewed on Council’s YouTube channel.
A selection of photographs are in the image gallery below or contact us: media@egipps.vic.gov.au
East Gippsland’s newest citizens were officially welcomed at an Australia Day citizenship ceremony in Bairnsdale on Thursday 26 January 2023.
The 32 conferees from Britain, Canada, Denmark, Greece, India, New Zealand, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Poland and Switzerland formally pledged their commitment to Australia in front of a large crowd of family and friends at St Mary’s Parish Centre.
Mayor, Cr Mark Reeves said citizenship ceremonies are one of his favourite events.
“It’s a joyful occasion for families and friends, as well as the conferees, who have chosen Australia as the place they want to call home,” Cr Reeves said.
“Citizenship represents a commitment to Australia and its people, the values we share, and our common future and the ceremony is an opportunity for all Australian citizens to affirm this commitment.
“Our newest citizens represent a wide range of backgrounds and ages. Some have lived in East Gippsland or Australia for many years, while others are more recent arrivals to our great country. Congratulations to those becoming Australian citizens on making their commitment to Australia.”
Council holds four citizenship ceremonies each year. Attending a citizenship ceremony is the final step in the journey to become an Australian citizen and receive a certificate of Australian Citizenship. The ceremony fulfils the requirements under Australian citizenship law and provides an opportunity for Council to officially welcome its new citizens.
The ceremony was live streamed and can be viewed on Council’s YouTube channel at youtube.com/EastGippyTV