Anthony Albanese emphasized that today serves as a moment for Australians to contemplate the qualities that define and elevate their nation.

“Australia Day presents a wonderful occasion to unite and celebrate the elements that bind us together and contribute to our standing as one of the world’s greatest countries,” Albanese shared with The Australian.

“We are fortunate to call this land home, whether by birth or by choice. Whether your ancestors have cherished this land for 65,000 years, or you are becoming part of our Australian family at citizenship ceremonies nationwide today, committing yourself to our people, our values, and our democracy.”

In recognition of Australia Day, major cities across the country will host diverse events.

Highlighting the celebrations, a First Nations artwork titled “Dancing in the Moonlight” by Garry Purchase illuminated the sails of the Sydney Opera House.

There will be a wide-scale citizenship ceremony at Circular Quay at around 10.30am, with the annual Ferrython, a race between four Sydney ferries, happening at about 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.