Tag: Civics and Citizenship

2024 Community Citizen of the Year Awards

Nominations for 2024 Community Citizen of the Year Awards are now open.

The annual awards provide local governments around the state an opportunity to acknowledge exceptional residents and groups across four categories:

Community Citizen of the Year
A person you believe has delivered outstanding service to their community.

Young Community Citizen of the Year (16 – 30 years)
A young person you believe has delivered outstanding service to their community. To be eligible, individuals must be at least 16 years of age on 26 January, though younger nominees may be considered for exceptional contribution.

Senior Community Citizen of the Year (over 65 years)
An older person you believe has delivered outstanding service to their community. To be eligible, the person must be over 65 years of age on January 26.

Active Citizenship – Group or Event
A group you believe are delivering outstanding work for our community. This includes events staged during the past year.

Key Dates
Applications open on 1 September 2023.
Nominations close 31 October 2023.

For more information and to nominate, visit the Community Citizen of the Year Award website.

Joondalup Civic Centre

The Joondalup Civic Centre includes the City of Joondalup Council Chambers and a range of other civic facilities.

Citizenship and ceremonies

For all enquiries regarding your ceremony date or for further updates on the progress of your citizenship email the Department of Home Affairs or call 13 18 80.

When and where are citizenship ceremonies held?

The City holds regular citizenship ceremonies, usually on Wednesday evenings, in the Joondalup Council Chamber.

When will my citizenship ceremony be held?

The City is unable to provide you with a ceremony date until the City receives notification from the Department of Home Affairs that you have been approved for citizenship. Once the City receives this notification, you will be booked into the next available ceremony and you will receive an email advising your ceremony date.

What is the waiting time for a ceremony?

The waiting time varies between three and six months after you have received your letter of approval from the Minister for Home Affairs. Note that the waiting time starts from the date of approval, not the interview date.

When will I receive the details confirming my ceremony?

The City endeavours to give you as much notice as possible of your ceremony date. You will receive an email invitation at least four weeks prior to the ceremony.

How many guests can I bring to the ceremony?

The City will advise how many guests are permitted for each ceremony depending on the capacity of the venue.

Do children need to attend citizenship ceremonies?

Children aged 16 years and over are legally required to attend their citizenship ceremony and take the citizenship pledge in order to become an Australian citizen. Children under the age of 16 are not legally required to take the citizenship pledge, however are welcome to attend the ceremony and are encouraged to take the citizenship pledge where possible.

I have lost my citizenship certificate, what should I do?

If you have lost your citizenship certificate you must contact the Department of Home Affairs to arrange for a replacement.

Citizenship eligibility

For information on eligibility and how to apply for Australian citizenship, please contact the Department of Home Affairs.

Further enquiries: If you have any additional enquiries please email citizenship@joondalup.wa.gov.au

Local government education

School classes are invited to enhance their study of Civics and Citizenship and learn more about their local government and community.

Student outcomes

Watch the Civics presentation or contact the School Liaison Officer to arrange a tour, and learn:

  • How local government works
  • About the services it provides to the community
  • Taking part in a mock election
  • The difference between local laws and state laws
  • About elected members and council officers and their roles in the community
  • About their families’ role in determining the type of community in which they wish to live.

Local History tour

A tour of Joondalup Library, featuring the Local History collection, is available. This provides a practical example of a local government service.

Public artwork

The public artwork surrounding the Civic Centre and its relationship to Joondalup is also available to be discovered.

Getting there

Transport can be provided. For further information contact the School Liaison Officer.

Teaching resources

Worksheets are available for use.

Keep up to date on what the City has available for schools and subscribe to the School Connections eNewsletter.

School support

School Connections

School Connections aims to improve communication between the City of Joondalup and the schools within its boundaries.

Key objectives

The key objectives of the City’s School Liaison Officer are to:

  • communicate with and provide support to schools; and
  • link schools to educational programs, resources and opportunities provided by the City.

Programs

Programs are usually fully funded by the City and are designed to assist students achieve the standards outlined in the Western Australian Curriculum in the learning areas of:

  • The Arts
  • History
  • Science and Geography
  • Health and Physical Activity
  • Civics and Citizenship.

Programs help students to develop general capabilities and cross-curriculum priorities.

Literacy and youth programs as well as funding opportunities are also provided.

Keep up to date on what the City has available for schools and subscribe to the School Connections Newsletter.