The City of Stirling is the largest local authority in Western Australia by population. We are also lucky to be home to many new Australians however, this can result in a waiting time for newly approved recipients to receive their Citizenship ceremony.

The City of Stirling receives over 100 new recipients per month to be booked into ceremonies. The City endeavours to process all our recipients in a timely manner and appreciates recipients' patience in regard to this matter.

Any enquiries can be directed to the City of Stirling Contact Centre on 9345 8555.

Please see the City's frequently asked questions below:


How do I apply for Australian Citizenship?
The City of Stirling cannot assist with applications for Australian Citizenship. For information on eligibility and how to apply for Australian Citizenship, please contact the Department of Immigration and Citizenship:

Phone: Citizenship Information Line 13 18 80

Web: www.citizenship.gov.au
Australian Citizenship application packages can be downloaded from the above site.

Visit: Wellington Central
836 Wellington Street
West Perth WA 6005

Postal: Locked Bag 7
Northbridge WA 6865


When and where are Citizenship Ceremonies held?
The City of Stirling holds regular citizenship ceremonies in the City of Stirling Reception Hall. Registration opens from 6.00pm and the ceremony commences at 7.00pm. Guests are asked to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the commencement time. Ceremonies usually conclude between 8.00pm and 8.30pm after which refreshments are served in the lobby.


How can I find out when my citizenship ceremony will be?
The City of Stirling is unable to provide you with a ceremony date until we receive notification from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) that you have been approved for citizenship. Once the City receives this notification, you will be booked into the next available ceremony. It should be noted that the City is advised of your approval by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship approximately two weeks after you have received your approval letter. Unfortunately, the City cannot book you into a ceremony until it has received notification of your approval from DIAC.


What is the waiting time for a ceremony?
The waiting period for a citizenship ceremony is approximately 3-6 months after you have received your approval letter from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship.


When will I receive notification confirming my ceremony?
The City of Stirling will post an invitation to you approximately 3-4 weeks prior to your ceremony date.


Do I need to bring anything to the ceremony?
Yes, recipients are required to bring along photographic identification such as a driver's license or passport. It is also suggested that you bring along your invitation to assist in the registration process.


Will I receive my certificate at the ceremony?
Yes, upon taking your pledge, you will be presented with your certificate by the Presiding Member. It should be noted that the certificates of any dependents under the age of 16 will be attached to their parents' certificate.


Do children need to attend citizenship ceremonies?
Children aged 16 years and over are legally required to attend their citizenship ceremony and take the citizenship pledge to become an Australian citizen. Children under the age of 16 are not legally required to take the citizenship pledge, however the City of Stirling provides an allocated seat for their attendance and they are encouraged to take the citizenship pledge where possible.


What is the difference between the Oath and the Affirmation pledge?
There are two variations of the citizenship pledge - the Oath and the Affirmation. The Oath pledge refers to God whereas the Affirmation pledge does not. When you receive your invitation to a ceremony, it will note the pledge that you have selected during DIAC's approval process. If this is incorrect, please contact the City on 9345 8955 as this will affect seating arrangements at the ceremony.


How many guests can I bring to the ceremony?
The City of Stirling allows two guests per recipient. Additional guests can be accommodated in most cases however, please contact the City on 9345 8555 to discuss.


What is the dress code for the ceremony?
There is no strict dress code for citizenship ceremonies however, smart casual is recommended. Recipients often like to wear their traditional dress adding a wonderful element to our ceremonies.


Does the City provide a photographer at these ceremonies?
The City of Stirling does not provide a photographer at its citizenship ceremonies however, recipients and guests are invited to bring their cameras along and are welcome to take photos during the ceremony. The Presiding Member will also be available following the ceremony for photographs.


Is it possible to arrange a ceremony earlier than the standard waiting time?
In exceptional circumstances a private ceremony may be arranged. Please contact the Department of Immigration on 131 880


Do you accept recipients from outside the City of Stirling?
Unfortunately, the City cannot accept recipients from outside of its boundaries due to the large number of pending recipients from within the City of Stirling.


I have lost my citizenship certificate, what should I do?
If you have lost your citizenship certificate, you will need to contact the Department of Immigration and Citizenship to arrange a replacement on 13 18 80. The City of Stirling cannot issue or replace citizenship certificates.


Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony
On Australia Day (26 January) the Cities of Stirling, Joondalup and Wanneroo unite to host the largest citizenship ceremony in Western Australia with over 1500 recipients taking the citizenship pledge.

Becoming an Australian citizen on Australia Day is an amazing experience. The Australia Day ceremony is a family orientated celebration involving bands, rides and entertainment. The ceremony is also attended by special guests including members of Federal, State and Local Government, Australian of the Year recipients and the Mayors of Stirling, Joondalup and Wanneroo.

Places are filling quickly for this ceremony so register your interest with the City on 9345 8555 and be a part of Western Australia's biggest Australia Day citizenship ceremony.

Click here for further information on the 2008 Australia Day Citizenship ceremony and to see the video highlights.

If you require further information relating to the City of Stirling's citizenship ceremonies, please contact the City's citizenship line on 9345 8555.


Contacts

City of Stirling
Customer Service Centre
25 Cedric Street
Stirling WA 6021

Phone: (08) 9345 8555

City of Stirling Citizenship Line
Phone: (08) 9345 8955

Deparment of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC)
Phone: Citizenship Information Line 13 18 80

Web: www.citizenship.gov.au
Australian Citizenship application packages can be downloaded from the above site.

Visit: Wellington Central
836 Wellington Street
West Perth WA 6005

Postal: Locked Bag 7
Northbridge WA 6865


Australian Passports' office
www.passports.gov.au

Overseas
Contact your nearest Embassy of Consulate.

Access to Australian Government information and Services
www.australia.gov.au

Current International Social Security Agreements
www.facs.gov.au

You can also download an application package from the Department of Immigration website – www.citizenship.gov.au