Citizenship ceremonies fulfil requirements prescribed by the Australian Citizenship Act 2007 and the Australian Citizenship Regulations 2007. They are conducted under the authority of the Australian Government minister responsible for citizenship matters. The current Minister for Immigration and Citizenship is the Hon Chris Bowen MP.

Citizenship ceremonies are the final step in a person's journey to becoming an Australian citizen.  It is the occasion in which they take the citizenship pledge, and receive their official certificate of Australian Citizenship.

Bass Coast Shire Council hosts four citizenship ceremonies during the year. These are generally held on Australia Day (26 January) and on the last Wednesday of April, July and October each year.

Becoming an Australian citizen is an important occasion and we aim to make the citizenship ceremony a memorable and happy occasion. We encourage those taking their pledge to invite their family and friends along to witness the ceremony.

The ceremony is hosted by the Chief Executive Officer with assistance from the Mayor and other local Councillors.  Often there are members of State and Federal Parliament in attendance, as well as other special guests including the winners of the Bass Coast Shire Council Australia Day Awards.

As well as the official certificate of Australian Citizenship and a copy of the citizenship pledge, new citizens also receive a gift bag containing an Australian Citizenship badge, an Aussie Pride badge, various Australian Citizenship merchandise and a local indigenous plant.

If you would like to find out how you can become an Australian Citizen, please go to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) website or phone 13 18 80.  The Department is responsible for accepting and processing applications. Once your application is processed, and we have received notification of your success, we will invite you to next available citizenship ceremony.

If you have any questions in relation to Council's role in the citizenship process, or the conducting of ceremonies, please contact Sarah Male on 1300 BCOAST (226 278).