Hosting an affirmation ceremony
Anyone can hold an affirmation ceremony - individuals, families, schools, organisations or community groups. When the affirmation is part of a citizenship ceremony, the Presiding Officer or a person of some standing leads the affirmation. People conducting affirmation ceremonies should be Australian citizens.
Councils often include affirmation ceremonies in Australian citizenship ceremonies. Anyone can conduct affirmation ceremonies as part of special community celebrations, meetings, school assemblies and events such as a flag raising ceremony or a community BBQ. Others hold affirmation ceremonies as part of celebrations for days of national significance such as:
- Australia Day (26 January)
- Harmony Day (21 March)
- ANZAC Day (25 April)
- Australian Citizenship Day (17 September).
How to conduct an affirmation ceremony
The Australian Citizenship Ceremonies Code details instructions for holding an affirmation ceremony.
Key elements of an affirmation ceremony are:
- distribute the affirmation cards
- advise that participation is voluntary
- advise non-Australian citizens that they are welcome to join in at the second line
- invite those who wish to publicly affirm their commitment to Australia to stand and join in repeating the affirmation.
See also: Australian Citizenship Ceremonies Code