Australia Day 2021: The best events happening around Sydney on Australia Day
A concert with two huge Aussie music superstars is headlining the major events on around Sydney on Australia Day, but we’ll have to view it from home.
NSW
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While the physical distance between us may be greater this year, the common values of mateship, freedom and a fair go will still be celebrated on Australia Day.
Social distancing regulations have scuppered many council plans for celebrations today but family and friends are expected to gather outdoors at beaches and parks to celebrate our national day in a COVID-safe way.
Households are still restricted to a maximum of five guests while groups of up to 30 people are permitted to gather outdoors.
The pandemic may have halted the Sydney ferrython but there are still plenty of festivities around the harbour kicking off with a WugulOra morning ceremony at Barangaroo Reserve and the raising of both the Australian and the Aboriginal flags on the Harbour Bridge at 5.15am.
A 10km wheelchair race will be held in The Rocks as well as the Salute to Australia, which includes a 21-gun salute and Australia Day message from NSW Governor Margaret Beazley.
Delta Goodrem and Casey Donovan will perform at the ticketed Australia Day Concert at Circular Quay followed by the annual fireworks display.
But families have been told to watch the concert and fireworks on television amid fears large crowds could trigger a superspreader event.
More than 12,000 people are expected to become citizens across the country today after they make their Pledge of Commitment at ceremonies run by local councils.
Randwick Council has asked participants at its Little Bay ceremony to make the pledge wearing a face mask and refrain from singing the National Anthem.
Shellharbour Mayor Marianne Saliba will also conduct a ceremony today. She said there was no greater privilege than Australian citizenship.
“It’s a lifelong commitment to Australia’s shared values, including respect for the freedom of the individual, the rule of law and democracy, and equality of opportunity for all people,” Ms Saliba said.
And despite a year dominated by devastating bushfires and a global pandemic, Australians are feeling increasingly optimistic about our country’s future.
Three in five people believe the country will become more united in the next three years, according to new research by McCrindle.
“While COVID-19 has furthered divisions in many countries, in Australia it has garnered increasing trust in our political and health leaders, remarkable social compliance and reinvigorated our local community connections,” social researcher Mark McCrindle said.
Latoya Brown, who educates children and adults about ancient Aboriginal culture, agreed.
“I think it is important with closing the gap we’re able to share what’s important to us, what we’ve gone through and how we’re still here,” Ms Brown said.
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