Prime Minister Anthony Albanese highlighted the significance of Australia Day as a moment for national reflection and celebration.
“Australia Day offers a wonderful chance for us to unite and honor the unique qualities that make our nation the finest place on earth,” Albanese remarked in an interview with The Australian.
He further expressed, “Whether you’re Australian by birth or by choice, whether your ancestors have cherished and protected this land for 65,000 years, or whether you’re joining our Australian family at citizenship ceremonies today, pledging your loyalty to our people, values, and democracy, we are all fortunate to call Australia home.”
Across the country, major cities are gearing up for events to commemorate Australia Day.
In Sydney, the iconic Opera House sails will showcase a First Nations artwork by Garry Purchase titled “Dancing in the Moonlight.”
Circular Quay will host a large-scale citizenship ceremony at approximately 10:30 a.m. Additionally, the annual Ferrython, a lively race featuring four Sydney ferries, is scheduled to take place around midday.
The celebrations in Sydney will conclude tonight with an Australia Day live concert on the Sydney Opera House forecourt, with Cody Simpson one of many artists to be performing.
The concert will begin at 7.30pm.
The main event in the nation’s capital on Australia Day is the National Citizenship and Flag Raising Ceremony on Lake Burley Griffin.
The Prime Minister and Governor General will attend, alongside the Australian of the Year recipients, as the country welcomes some of its new citizens in an eye-catching ceremony.
It features a helicopter fly-past and a bomber fly-over, as well as a 21-gun salute.
Federation Square will be hosting an all-day event with activities for the family, food and music.
There will also be an official flag-raising ceremony, and an open day at Government House.
The Mourning in the Morning Ceremony still went ahead as planned.
This will take place over the Swan River, with the 30-minute show beginning at 8.30pm.
Called “Great Australian Bites”, it will begin at 2pm on Riverside Green at South Bank Parklands and will have pop-up stalls and food trucks sharing food from across the nation, reflecting Australia’s multiculturalism.
There will also be a silent disco and live cooking demonstrations.
