Manningham Council will host its first ‘virtual’ citizenship ceremony this month to officially welcome our newest Australian citizens to the community.
In partnership with the Department of Home Affairs, Manningham will conduct online ceremonies via secure video link, to enable people to continue to become Australian citizens during the COVID-19 situation.
Manningham Mayor, Cr Paul McLeish, recognised the importance of citizenship for migrants in our community.
“Many people in our community have already chosen to commit their futures to Australia and share their heritage and culture with our community,” he said.
“Citizenship ceremonies are an important celebration for many as they officially become citizens in our community,”
Current health advice around COVID-19 means it has not been possible for traditional, in-person citizenship ceremonies to be held since March 2020.
Manningham Council will be hosting virtual citizenship ceremonies every Wednesday from 17 June, naturalising 50 people each time to officially welcome the many residents that have been waiting to become citizens.
Application for Australian citizenship are still accepted during this time, however, citizenship interviews and testing have been put on hold.
“We are pleased to continue to deliver these important and special ceremonies using technology,” Cr McLeish said.
Important Information
Online Citizenship Ceremonies are now being conducted by the Department of Home Affairs. Once restrictions have eased, ceremonies will recommence.
