Australia Day Observed with Nationwide Events, Unity Calls, and Demonstrations
Australia Day was observed with a range of events nationwide, encompassing cultural ceremonies, public demonstrations, and evening concerts with fireworks. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese issued a call for national unity, while citizenship ceremonies welcomed new citizens. Events in Sydney included Indigenous cultural ceremonies, protest marches, and a concert at the Opera House. Perth's activities featured a major sky show, diverse entertainment, and also saw protests.
National Overview
Prime Minister's Address
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese urged Australians to unite and reflect on the nation's history, acknowledging the continent's oldest continuous culture. He encouraged looking forward after a challenging summer, referencing a recent terrorism incident, and stated the day was for unity and celebrating shared national aspects. A tribute to those affected by recent events was incorporated into the Australia Day Live concert in Sydney.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese urged Australians to unite and reflect on the nation's history, acknowledging the continent's oldest continuous culture.
Citizenship Ceremonies Nationwide
Across various locations, citizenship ceremonies took place. In Western Australia, the City of Perth welcomed 71 individuals from 31 countries, while Mandurah and Busselton each granted citizenship to over 80 new individuals.
Sydney Highlights
Sydney hosted a variety of events, spanning cultural acknowledgements, public demonstrations, and an evening concert.
Morning Cultural Ceremonies
The WugulOra Morning Ceremony, meaning "one mob," was held at Barangaroo Reserve. The event focused on the culture of the Gadigal people of the Eora nation, featuring dance, song, storytelling, a smoking ceremony, and specific performances. Addresses were delivered by the NSW Governor, Premier, and the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council.
Separately, the Yabun Festival, translating to "music to a beat" in Gadigal language, took place at Victoria Park in Camperdown. This festival is recognized as Australia’s largest annual one-day celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, showcasing First Nations performers, speakers, and market stalls.
Public Demonstrations
NSW Police partially lifted protest restrictions, allowing an Invasion Day march to proceed from Hyde Park. Participants in this demonstration highlighted issues, including the claim that Australia recorded the highest number of Indigenous deaths in custody since 1979 during 2024-2025.
Participants in this demonstration highlighted issues, including the claim that Australia recorded the highest number of Indigenous deaths in custody since 1979 during 2024-2025.
Concurrently, a March for Australia demonstration commenced at Prince Alfred Park. This event focused on supporting Australia Day and maintaining January 26 as the public holiday, in opposition to calls for a date change.
Evening Concert and Fireworks
The Australia Day Live concert was presented at the Sydney Opera House forecourt. The program featured performances by Australian artists, a fireworks display over the harbour, and a tribute to families and communities affected by the terror attack in Bondi. The Sydney-based band SHIR – Australian Jewish Music Festival also performed.
Perth Celebrations and Protests
Perth's Australia Day schedule included a range of daytime activities, a significant evening sky show, and public demonstrations. Police maintained a visible presence throughout the day.
Daytime Activities and Entertainment
Langley Park hosted attendees through the afternoon, offering live entertainment, a multicultural festival with dance performances, food trucks, extreme motocross, BMX performances, carnival rides, and games. Other afternoon activities included Indigenous and multicultural performances, carnival rides, and a BMX stunt show. Road closures were implemented on Riverside Drive from 2 PM and Terrace Road from 3 PM.
Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds stated that such events contribute to uniting the community, boosting visitation, and supporting local businesses.
Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds stated that such events contribute to uniting the community, boosting visitation, and supporting local businesses.
Evening Sky Show and Performances
Western Australia's largest fireworks display, which included drone formations and a skydive show, was scheduled for 8:30 PM over the Swan River in the Perth CBD. Pop singer Ricki-Lee performed with her band from 7:30 PM prior to the sky show. Rockingham foreshore also featured a beachfront fireworks display, concluding four hours of activities, and Armadale reinstated its pyrotechnics show at Minnawarra Park.
Cooler temperatures, ranging from 19C to 22C, with some areas experiencing breezes and potential rain, were noted. Attendance at the previous year's event in Perth was over 70,000 spectators, a reduction from over 400,000 in the early 2000s.
Protests and Police Presence
"Change the date" protests and counter-protests were scheduled in the Perth CBD at midday. An earlier incident involving an explosion scare concluded an Invasion Day rally.
WA Police stated that there was no intelligence indicating a heightened threat in the State and committed to maintaining a visible policing presence to support peaceful events.
WA Police stated that there was no intelligence indicating a heightened threat in the State and committed to maintaining a visible policing presence to support peaceful events. Police reported no major incidents as the events concluded, with extended public transport services facilitating attendee dispersal.