The City of Marion welcomes all new citizens into its community. Becoming an Australian Citizen is a very important event in the City of Marion and it is our intention to make it a special occasion for all new citizens. The City of Marion holds public citizenship ceremonies every three months and private ceremonies at various times throughout the year. Some requirements will need to be met before being eligible for Australian citizenship. The first step involves passing a test set by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship. Once you have passed the test, you will then need to take the following steps: Fill in an application form from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (Level 3, 55 Currie St, Adelaide or download the form at www.immi.gov.au). Complete the application form and lodge it at the Department of Immigration and Citizenship with an application fee. You will be contacted by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship to attend an interview at their office. Once you have received your letter of approval from the Minister of Immigration and Citizenship, your local or nominated Council will be notified within 4-6 weeks. You will then be contacted by Council (1-2 months later) to advise you of your ceremony date to receive your Australian citizenship certificate. Please advise Council two weeks before the ceremony to allow for enough time for your certificate to be printed.

Your Cultural Identity
As new citizens you are encouraged to highlight your cultural identity at the ceremony by bringing or wearing an item to indicate your country of origin.


Some details about the public ceremony:

• The Australian Citizenship Ceremony is a formal occasion taking 1-2 hours. The ceremony usually consists of approximately 50 candidates plus friends and family.
• During the ceremony you will be asked to make a Pledge of Commitment in English (available at the ceremony) in order to receive your Certificate of Australian Citizenship.
• Her Worship the Mayor, Felicity-ann Lewis will conduct the ceremony.
• Members of Parliament, Councillors, special guests and entertainers are invited to attend.
• Refreshments are served after the ceremony. You, your friends and family are most welcome to stay and meet other new citizens and invited guests.
• Children receive their own certificate but do not need to take the pledge if under 16 unless they wish to.
• We will provide you with a complimentary photograph taken with the Mayor and any guests you choose.

• A private ceremony takes about 20-45 minutes and is carried out at the Council office (245 Sturt Road, Sturt, 5047).
• You may invite family and friends and a complimentary photograph will be taken.

For further information please contact City of Marion's Citizenship Coordinator Jacqueline Smith on 83756602 or by email jacqueline.smith@marion.sa.gov.au