"Today, it becomes official. You're Australian, mate!"
Looking for a meaningful gift to celebrate a new Australian citizen?
For a child, a citizenship ceremony can be overwhelming. This heartwarming story gently explains the process, capturing the nerves, the excitement, and the moment a family officially belongs.
A Forever Keepsake: Includes a dedicated page to record the ceremony date and details.
Educational & Fun: Perfect for children aged 3–10 (Early Literacy & Listening to Critical Inquiry).
Official Pledge: Features the Pledge of Commitment from the Australian Citizen Act 2007 (Cth).
The ceremony is the final step in your journey to becoming an Australian citizen. Since some procedures vary by council, use this guide as a general overview of the day.
📋 What to Bring
Photo ID: Your Driver's Licence or Passport.
Invitation Letter: From the Dept of Home Affairs.
Family & Friends: Check your invite for guest limits.
👔 Dress Code
The code is "Smart Casual." National or cultural dress is welcomed and encouraged!
⏱️ Typical Order of Proceedings
Arrival: Arrive 30 mins early.
Welcome: Mayoral or Presiding Officer's address.
Preamble: Reading the Citizenship Act.
The Pledge: Reciting the Oath/Affirmation together.
Presentation: Receiving your Certificate.
National Anthem: Singing 'Advance Australia Fair'.
Citizenship Practice Test
To pass the official test, you need to answer 20 questions with a score of 75% or higher. (You must also answer all 5 "Australian Values" questions correctly).
Try this practice version with 12 common questions:
Now You're a Citizen: What Next?
Congratulations on achieving Australian citizenship. While Permanent Residents (PRs) enjoy many freedoms, becoming a citizen unlocks a specific tier of rights and protections.
🚨 Priority Actions
Enrol to Vote (Mandatory): Voting is compulsory for citizens aged 18+. Citizens have the right and responsibility to enrol and vote in federal, state/territory, and local government elections. ✅ Enrol via the Australian Electoral Commission.
Apply for Passport: You are now eligible for an Australian passport. This allows you to travel freely and re-enter Australia without a Resident Return Visa. ✅ Apply via the Australian Passport Office.
1. Civic Participation & Politics
Vote in Elections: You now have a voice in who runs the country. PRs cannot vote.
Stand for Parliament: Only citizens can run for office in local councils, State, or Federal Parliament.
Serve on a Jury: You are now eligible to participate directly in the justice system.
2. Travel & Global Mobility
Right of Entry: Citizens have an automatic right to return to Australia forever. PRs must renew their travel facility every 5 years.
Consular Assistance: Full government support if you are arrested or in trouble overseas.
Live in New Zealand: Citizens are free to move to and work in New Zealand indefinitely, receiving a resident visa on arrival thanks to the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement.
3. Employment & Defence
Join the Defence Force (ADF): Enlistment is generally restricted to citizens.
Government Jobs (APS): Roles in DFAT, Border Force, and Intelligence (ASIO) require citizenship.
Security Clearances: Top Secret clearances for sensitive work are reserved for citizens.
4. Family & Security
Protection from Deportation: Generally, citizens cannot be deported. PRs can have their visa cancelled if convicted of a serious crime.
HECS-HELP Loans: Access to government student loans to defer university fees.
Centrelink: Immediate access to most support payments. Usually 2-4 year wait for some payments.
International Adoption: You generally must be a citizen to adopt a child from overseas through Australia's official intercountry adoption programs.
5. Sport
Represent Australia in Sport: You generally must be a citizen to represent Australia in the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, or national sporting teams. PRs are usually ineligible for national selection.
For Local Government & Education
A strategic tool to support Council Plans and Civic Education.
Civic House Press partners with Councils to upgrade their Citizenship Ceremonies. We replace disposable gifts with high-quality educational keepsakes that strengthen the bond between the new citizen and their local community.
✨ The Mayor's Message
Make the welcome official.
For Council bulk orders, we offer a bespoke customization service. We can include a high-quality bookplate on the inside cover featuring:
Your Council's Official Logo / Crest
A personal welcome message from your Mayor
"This transforms a standard book into an official municipal document and a cherished family heirloom."
🏛️ Procurement Made Easy
We understand Government procurement. We are a registered Australian business.
Purchase Orders: We accept official Purchase Orders (POs) on 30-day payment terms.
Credit Cards: Secure online payment links available for immediate dispatch (Visa, Mastercard, Amex).
Vendor Registration: We provide all necessary details for quick vendor onboarding.
🏫 Schools & Teachers
We support civics education with high-quality, classroom-ready resources.
Digital Teacher's Pack: Every class set order (10+ units) includes complimentary Lesson Plans.
Curriculum Aligned: Mapped to the ACARA Civics & Citizenship curriculum (Years K–4).
Library Ready: We are registering with SCIS to ensure seamless cataloguing for school libraries soon.
Not just a publisher - your strategic partner in community strengthening and civic literacy.
We are equipping the next generation of Australian leaders.
Civic House Press is an independent specialist publisher dedicated to improving Australian public life. We believe that a strong democracy relies on informed, active citizens who fully understand and participate in our shared civic systems.
Publishing Director
Dr Daniel Griffiths GAICD
Improving civic participation through education.
I founded Civic House Press to ensure that every Australian feels empowered to participate in our democracy. Drawing on my leadership in the government and non-profit sectors, I focus on bridging the gap between formal governance and community understanding.
As a migrant, I know that true belonging begins with participation. My mission is to equip the next generation with the knowledge they need to not just live in Australia, but to actively help shape its future.
Partner With Us
We work with local government and educational sectors to bridge the gap between complex policy and community action through strategic counsel and civic education.
