Our Australian Citizenship Ceremony and The Citizenship Pledge

G’day!

This is the 563rd post on this blog, and so far I’ve never started any of them with G’day.

But today I speak to you for the first time as an Australian, so I just had to do it, didn’t I?

The day started early, we had to be at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, the exact same place we saw Eddie Izzard, by eight o’clock in the morning.

We got there at about 8:15 AM, not a bad effort.

With the Australian authorities usual efficiency, they managed to process 1,117 applicants and have them all seated by 9:30 AM for the start of the ceremony.

Well, in truth it started about 10 minutes late, but in fairness it was (again) the biggest Citizenship Ceremony in all of Australia.

It is an intensely proud moment, getting Australian citizenship, I noticed Mrs BobinOz well up on a couple of occasions. Elizabeth was also extremely excited about the whole thing, she woke up at 6 AM raring to go.

She is not normally an early riser.

For the record, I was pretty excited too and very much chuffed to become Australian. I’m not an early riser either and always start the day slowly, I find it impossible to get emotional before midday.

But even I had a little ‘moment’ that I needed to control 🙂

Aussie! Aussie! Aussie!

Yesterday marked the end of a very long journey. I say very long, but looking back it’s not that long at all, is it? It was six years ago that we had the idea, and here we are today as Australian citizens.

I think that’s pretty good!

Here’s a short video about the ceremony….

After the ceremony, which ended at about 11 AM, we went in search of a pub so we can celebrate with a swift half.

Any of you who have read all of my posts will know that it is not possible to buy a swift half in Australia. So, four pints and a pub lunch later we and the three families who had come along to witness our nationalisation headed back home.

As much as I would have loved an afternoon kip, I had a few things to do and before I knew it, we were off out again to the Sports and Recreation Club for a 4 o’clock start.

More celebrations with more friends.

Incredibly, the predicted rain didn’t happen and it was actually a very nice day. But we managed to get very wet inside.

It started as a dream, today it is a reality.

It’s great to be an Aussie!

Visa Assessment Service
{ 45 comments… add one }
  • Vidhya October 19, 2016, 8:53 am |

    I’m waiting my australian citizenship ceremonies 13 month ago, ? don’t know what’s going on?

    • BobinOz October 19, 2016, 11:09 pm |

      Something is definitely up there, you should have heard within 1 to 2 months, maybe even quicker. I reckon you’re application has gone missing somewhere and I would definitely be chasing them up first thing tomorrow if I were you. Good luck, I hope you get it sorted, Bob

  • Patrick December 10, 2012, 8:01 pm |

    Maybe a bit ahead, but I know I want it. The 4 years countdown starts in 217 days…

    • BobinOz December 10, 2012, 8:16 pm |

      Wow! A countdown to a countdown 🙂

  • Patrick December 9, 2012, 1:40 pm |

    Congrats Bob!
    I know I’m late, but it’s not a small deal…

    I want to thank you again, I got even more info to help me, now I know my working holiday time can be taken in consideration for citizenship, as long as I get a sponsor before my visa expires… In the perfect world, I could apply in July of 2017.
    I also took the practice test, 20/20 in 3-4 minutes this morning… I think I’m good 🙂

    Cheers

    Pat

    P.S. I hope I didn’t spoil your weekend with the subject of my email…

    • BobinOz December 10, 2012, 7:55 pm |

      Well you can’t do better than 20 out of 20, I reckon you have a great chance of passing the real test. Aren’t you practising a little ahead of schedule 🙂

  • darren November 15, 2012, 9:45 pm |

    Bob,
    Still waiting for my Visa to be seen by a case officer, while the £££ weak against the $$$ dont mind waiting a little longer,belongs it aint to long.
    But wondering Brit at heart,Aussie in mind….
    Who will you be supporting for the Ashes,and World cups!!!
    i know my answer ;0

    • BobinOz November 15, 2012, 11:35 pm |

      Good question, simple answer. I always support England in all sports, especially when they are playing against Australia. But if England blow out, and Australia do well, or in the case that we are playing each other, and Australia beat us, then I support Australia.

      That’s the joy of dual nationality 🙂

  • Tina April 17, 2012, 11:19 am |

    G’day Mate,

    Welcome and Congratlations.
    You are now a true ‘Aussie’ Be proud!
    Your blog is Awesome!
    No doubt you have helped many people understand what living in Australia is ‘Really’ like.
    As your passion and pride really shines through in everything you write.
    Best wishes to you and your family!!
    Cheers, From Tina
    PS. Travel Australia as much as you can, it is absolutely Awesome!!

    • BobinOz April 18, 2012, 2:27 pm |

      Hi Tina

      Good to hear from you again, and thank you. Yes, I am very proud to be an Aussie.

      I will be travelling this great country as much as I possibly can, but I know I have to get through a lot of clicks to catch up with you. And I’ll probably need to pick up a copy of your book.

      For anybody else looking to travel Australia, I highly recommend Tina’s site Travel Australia Planning Guide.

      Cheers!

      Bob

  • AussieMitch March 6, 2012, 8:27 am |

    Hey Bob,
    Cheers Mate on your ‘ Aussieness’ !!!!!!!!!!!!!
    Awesome people becoming a part of our great country with pride and enthusiasm.
    Hope you and your future generations all have great life experiences here.
    Cheers again, awesome news.

    p.s. I am still around have relocated, and bought a beautiful new home. Also have got myself ready and able with my online business ventures and generally been caught up in life, but all good. Will keep in touch. Your Site is still great mate, love your attitude and style.
    AussieMitch

    • BobinOz March 6, 2012, 10:03 pm |

      Hi AussieMitch

      Good to hear from you again, it’s been a while. I understand now, a new home? You’ve probably been waiting for months for Telstra to give you an Internet connection 🙂

      Thanks for the big welcome, yes, it feels great to be an Aussie. Good luck mate!

  • Penny March 4, 2012, 12:01 am |

    Congratulations Bob and family!

    Hopefully that will be me and my family one day!

    • BobinOz March 5, 2012, 6:00 pm |

      I’ve got my fingers crossed for you. Not always, but just as I typed this.

  • emily February 29, 2012, 1:12 am |

    Good on ya Bob !- Fantastic – now a fair dinkum Aussie .

    • BobinOz February 29, 2012, 10:11 pm |

      Thanks emily, it feels fantastic! I checked out your website, like your art, different, good stuff.

  • Nola-Mike February 29, 2012, 12:42 am |

    hey Bob. I’ve wanted to move to australia from the states. is it really that hard to become a citizen? and how about jobs in australia. I’ve done some research but want to hear it from a newly appointed aussie citizen.

    • BobinOz February 29, 2012, 10:05 pm |

      Yes, it is quite hard to get into Australia, and as for getting a job, it depends what you do and how good you are at it.

      But I’m pretty certain, generally speaking, it’s easier at the moment to get a job here than it is to get one in the states.

      • NolaMike March 1, 2012, 5:56 am |

        well I’m an electricain(commercial and residential) and low voltage spec.(survalience cameras, Data, telephone, Etc.). I want a better “life education” for my 9yr old son. I love where I’m from (New Orleans,LA.), but not in agreeance with arrogant politics america has. besides I want paying my taxes to mean something, not for war or to line greedy officials pockets. I’m just saying 🙂

        • BobinOz March 2, 2012, 12:51 am |

          Not sure your tax money will mean something here either, Australia’s politicians aren’t the best and money does get wasted. But not too much on wars.

          It would be a nice place to bring up your boy though. Hope you get the chance to get here.

  • Chris Hansen February 28, 2012, 9:18 pm |

    Big Canuck in Oz Congrats Bob! My wife kinda used your monicker in our email, because I referred to you so much….anyways we have a place on the Sunny Coast and all is fab. I just have one question, so do have to give up your Brit citizenship to have Oz citizenship? Best wishes and good luck.

    Chris Hansen and family

    • BobinOz February 29, 2012, 12:23 am |

      Hi Chris up on the Sunshine Coast, one of our favourite places. No, you do not have to give up your British citizenship, we now all have dual citizenship.

      Thanks for spreading the word 🙂

  • bahar February 28, 2012, 9:04 pm |

    Congratulation Aussi Bob!! Or Bob in oz! No difference! :))
    What happened to your friend you talked about in your previous posts? Did he become a citizen too?
    By the way the time passes fast. Actually its more than 9 month that my husband and I lodged our documents to DIAC as if that was yesterday! I have a blog too, but not in English. 🙁
    I wish I had you as one of my blog fans.

    • BobinOz February 29, 2012, 12:21 am |

      Thanks bahar.

      Be patient with the application, it’s not the fastest process in the world. Hopefully something will happen soon. I’d love to be a fan of your blog, but I expect I’d have to learn a second language first 🙂

  • alan February 28, 2012, 8:43 pm |

    Well done mate, really envy you as i am still waiting to hear something from my application to move to ozz to be with my son and his family, which i put in last June. Hopefully i will hear from them this year and i can enjoy my retirement in the sun with my grandsons and teach them all about the famous manchester city football team.
    Keep up the website as i find it really interesting and informative.
    gday cobber.

    • BobinOz February 29, 2012, 12:16 am |

      Manchester City are famous now are they? Gosh, I’ve been away a long time 🙂

      Hope it works out for you sometime soon this year. Cheers!

  • melissa February 28, 2012, 8:23 pm |

    G’day bob!

    Congrats mate it gives lil brits like me and my family hope that it can be done! We’re just starting our visa process….. yawn! So weve got a long road to walk yet, your site and blogs are ace for ppl like me wanting a good honest opinion of oz, so thankyou and cheers!!!!! All the best! 😀 x

    • BobinOz February 29, 2012, 12:03 am |

      Thanks Melissa, I hope your journey ends the same way mind did, with a yes! Hope to see you here soon.

  • Brendan February 4, 2012, 8:12 am |

    Bob,

    Congratulations to you and your family for becoming citizens! You don’t muck around do you? I’ll be visiting Brisbane with my wife and kids in May to see what the Mrs thinks and hopefully we might move by the end of this year if she likes it. Cheers,

    Brendan

    • BobinOz February 7, 2012, 12:02 am |

      Hi Brendan

      Yes, I do muck around sometimes, honest. Thanks mate, and I hope you enjoy your visit to Brisbane.

  • Liv February 1, 2012, 12:04 am |

    Congrats Bob – must be nice to finally feel settled in the way that only official paperwork brings! I thought 15 new citizens was a lot for Esperance, but it was wonderfully manageable compared to Brisbane’s numbers. That crowd must have taken ages to swear in, no?

    • BobinOz February 1, 2012, 1:26 am |

      Hi Liv

      Yes, it feels great. I no longer feel like a guest.

      The whole thing was extremely well organised, we were asked to get there at 8 AM, and by 9:30 AM almost everybody had been processed and handed their Australian citizenship certificates in a sealed envelope. Not to be opened until after we said our pledge.

      All very efficient 🙂

      Did you get yours too, in Esperance? Or were you watching?

  • Gordon January 31, 2012, 9:13 pm |

    I’ll add my congratulations , it’s been a while since I’ve touched base here but I’m tickled pink at your citizenship 🙂

    Well done !

    • BobinOz February 1, 2012, 1:23 am |

      Hi Gordon

      Long time, but great to hear from you again. Thanks and yes, I’m tickled pink too.

      Cheers mate!

  • Shell January 29, 2012, 6:37 pm |

    Congratulations to the bob in oz family!

    Wanted to take this opportunity to say I love your blog. My husband and I are moving to Brisbane in October and your blog makes me so excited!!

    Congratulations again!

    Xxxx

    • BobinOz January 30, 2012, 12:48 pm |

      Thanks Shell, glad you are enjoying the blog. I look forward to seeing you here in Brisbane towards the end of the year.

  • Rupert January 28, 2012, 8:57 pm |

    That looks mad Bob. Over 1000 people? In a Convention Centre? I didn’t think that many people were allowed into Australia!

    I’m a little concerned you have to say “under God”. I want to become an Australian citizen one day, but as an atheist, I can’t say “under God”, because I don’t believe in God.

    When my wife had her UK citizenship ceremony, the room at Kingston Town Hall had the 100 or so people split into two halves, those who would swear an oath “by Almighty God” and those would affirm “solely, sincerely and truly”. I hope the Australian powers-that-be one day recognise those of us who cannot and do not want to say “under God”.

    Just going back to my wife’s citizenship ceremony, the only music was when we all had to stand for the national anthem, played on a tiny CD player – it was hilarious. The Aussies really know how to put on a show, even if the flags above the stage were all backwards. A little Aboriginal joke perhaps?

    Congratulations.

    Oh, by the way, we’ve booked our one-way tickets! We arrive in Sydney on June 4th. Three months later, our 40′ container arrives, and we will start our new life down under. I’m bricking it mate. Saying goodbye to my life in London is going to be painful.

    • BobinOz January 30, 2012, 12:47 pm |

      Hi Rupert

      Well, it was the biggest citizenship ceremony in the country.

      No worries about the pledge, there are two versions. You are free to choose the second version which is exactly the same as the first, but without the words “under God”.

      Congratulations on your impending arrival, I hope everything goes smoothly.

      • BobinOz February 3, 2012, 1:52 pm |

        Update:

        Those flags being the wrong way round was bugging me a bit, so I did a Google search. It seems that when the Australian flag is used for bunting, or, in other words, for hanging downwards from a horizontal piece of string, that’s the way round that they hang the flag. So, no mistake or aboriginal joke. Seems it’s the way it is. As a new Aussie, I’m still learning 🙂

  • Sean January 28, 2012, 6:54 am |

    Congratulations Bob! Well done, it sounds like you’ve wholeheartedly embraced Ozzy life.

    • BobinOz January 30, 2012, 12:43 pm |

      Yes, 100%, I think it is the only way to do it.

  • CG January 28, 2012, 1:22 am |

    Yipee! Very happy for you all.

    • BobinOz January 30, 2012, 12:42 pm |

      Thanks CG, me happy too:-)

  • emsquared January 27, 2012, 10:40 pm |

    Congratulations. Clearly it marks a very significant milestone in your life down under.

    • BobinOz January 30, 2012, 12:41 pm |

      Yes, it’s like I’m not a guest anymore, I really live here. Wonderful!

Cancel reply

Leave a Comment

If your comment doesn’t get answered, find out why…..
FAQs and Comment Policy.