The Shire of Coolgardie's role in the Citizenship process, is to conduct citizenship ceremonies and to present candidates with their Australian Citizenship certificates. Local governments only facilitate the ceremony process, this is the final requirement to become an Australian citizen.
The Department of Home Affairs role is to process and approve your citizenship application, all enquiries regarding becoming an Australian citizen should be directed to this department. You can download an application pack or apply online Department of Home Affairs website or phone 131 880 or 131 881.
When and where are Citizenship held within the Shire?
Citizenship ceremonies are held before Ordinary Council Meetings in both Coolgardie and Kambalda. Meetings are held monthly and alternate between the Coolgardie Council Chambers and the Kambalda Community Recreation Facility Function room.
For Ordinary Council Meeting dates, click here.
How can I find out when my Citizenship Ceremony will be?
The Shire is unable to provide a ceremony date until the Conferral Planning report is received from the Department of Home Affairs. These reports are sent to the Shire of Coolgardie approximately six weeks prior to a ceremony. If you are unable to attend the ceremony you are booked into, you will need to reschedule through the Department of Home Affairs.
What is the waiting time for a ceremony?
The waiting period for a Citizenship Ceremony once you have received the approval letter from the Department of Home Affairs is between three (3) and six (6) months.
Will I receive my certificate at the Ceremony?
Provided you have been booked into a ceremony four (4) weeks prior to the ceremony date, you should receive you certificate on the day of the ceremony. The Department of Home Affairs require a minimum of four (4) weeks' notice to order and print your certificates in time for the ceremony date.
When will I receive the details confirming my ceremony?
You will receive an invitation by email if you have provided an email address on your citizenship application or a letter four (4) weeks (minimum) before the ceremony.
How many guests can I bring to the ceremony?
The Shire of Coolgardie doesn’t have a limitation on the number of guests you can invite to the ceremony. If numbers are expected to be over ten (10) guests, please respond to the invitation email sent by the Shire Officer so they can ensure there are enough seats for your guests.
How long does the Citizenship ceremony run for?
The Citizenship Ceremony runs for approximately half an hour, sometimes shorter depending on how many conferees are becoming citizens on the day.
Is it possible to arrange a ceremony earlier than the standard waiting time (5-6 months)?
In exceptional circumstances a private ceremony may be arranged. Enquiries regarding early citizenship ceremonies please contact Department of Home Affairs on 131 881 or ceremony.wa@homeaffairs.gov.au. This will also be dependant on the Presiding Officers availability.
What are the fees to apply for Australia Citizenship?
Fees are made payable to the Department of Home Affairs. Before applying, applicants are advised to ring the Citizenship Information Line on 131 881 to confirm the fees.
What is the number for the Citizenship Information Line?
The Citizenship Information Line 131 881, it is open Monday to Friday - 9am to 5pm AEST.
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 Home Affairs on 131 881 to arrange a replacement. The Shire of Coolgardie cannot issue or replace citizenship certificates.
Do children need to attend citizenship ceremonies?
Children aged 16 years and over are legally required to attend the citizenship ceremony. Children under the age of 16 are not legally required to attend the ceremony however are welcome to attend.