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People lined Swanston St to see the The Australia day parade . Picture: Sarah Matray
People lined Swanston St to see the The Australia day parade . Picture: Sarah Matray

Aussie Aussie Aussie! How we’re celebrating Australia Day in 2019

Staff writers
1 min read and 1 video·January 26, 2019 - 3:22PM
News Corp Australia Network

Wearing green and gold, and waving mini-Australian flags, millions of Aussies are celebrating Australia Day across the country, marking the day with official citizenship events, backyard barbecues and Invasion Day rallies.

A record number of people are making their citizenship official during Australia Day ceremonies across the country.

There are 16,212 new citizens from 146 different countries are taking part in 365 ceremonies across the country — the most on any given day since the first citizenship ceremony 70 years ago.

This year the top five countries for new Australian citizens were: India (918 people), UK (517), Philippines (323), China (239), South Korea (176). It’s been 70 years since the introduction of Australian citizenship into law.

Australia Day is a time to reflect on shared histories and rededicate ourselves to the future, says Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

MORE: Famous faces of Australia Day Honours - plus, full list

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I want to support the Indigenous people: Sydney rally attendee

“We remind ourselves of our shared histories as Australians and we rededicate ourselves to Australia’s future,” Mr Morrison said.

“The story of Australia Day is the story of a country that is always trying to do better — that understands its past, it understands its failures and it understands how it has achieved its successes,” Mr Morrison said.

“No country is perfect, we are not, but we have a lot to celebrate.”

Aboriginal elders and community members gathered at Sydney’s Barangaroo Reserve for a vigil and the lighting of a fire at dusk to reflect on the impact of colonisation.

Melbourne has so-far marked the day with a multicultural parade and festival in Kings Domain Gardens, capped off with a major fireworks display.

Concerts, flag-raising ceremonies, food festivals, fun runs and thong-throwing competitions will be staged across the nation.

SEE THE BEST PHOTOS BELOW:

Jen Brandon and Grace Carr at Bondi Beach today enjoying Australia Day. Picture: Tim Hunter.
Jen Brandon and Grace Carr at Bondi Beach today enjoying Australia Day. Picture: Tim Hunter.
Wet N Wild Sydney. Amy Burgess 15, and Hannah Arnott 16, laying in the pool as temperatures reach 40+ Picture: Darren Leigh Roberts
Wet N Wild Sydney. Amy Burgess 15, and Hannah Arnott 16, laying in the pool as temperatures reach 40+ Picture: Darren Leigh Roberts
Pictured is (L-R) Mia Wright 12, Keely Tietzel-Berry 15 and Makira Wright 13, enjoying Australia Day at Watsons Bay in Sydney today. Picture: Tim Hunter.
Pictured is (L-R) Mia Wright 12, Keely Tietzel-Berry 15 and Makira Wright 13, enjoying Australia Day at Watsons Bay in Sydney today. Picture: Tim Hunter.
The Every Man and his Dog Paddleboard Race at Watsons Bay in Sydney today as part of Australia Day celebrations. Picture: Tim Hunter.
The Every Man and his Dog Paddleboard Race at Watsons Bay in Sydney today as part of Australia Day celebrations. Picture: Tim Hunter.
Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18A aircraft conduct a flypast over Sydney Harbour during Australia Day celebrations in Sydney. Picture: AAP
Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18A aircraft conduct a flypast over Sydney Harbour during Australia Day celebrations in Sydney. Picture: AAP
People lined Swanston St in Melbourne to see the the Australia Day parade. Picture: Sarah Matray
People lined Swanston St in Melbourne to see the the Australia Day parade. Picture: Sarah Matray
Nelli-Anne Williamson, 2, is seen at the Australia Day fun run at the Convention Centre in Darwin. Picture: Keri Megelus
Nelli-Anne Williamson, 2, is seen at the Australia Day fun run at the Convention Centre in Darwin. Picture: Keri Megelus
Nick Fraser of Crafers West with daughters Matilda, 7, and Audrey, 5, enjoying Australia Day at Botanic Park in Adelaide. Picture: Tom Huntley
Nick Fraser of Crafers West with daughters Matilda, 7, and Audrey, 5, enjoying Australia Day at Botanic Park in Adelaide. Picture: Tom Huntley
Christine Anu performs during the Australia Day Wugulora Morning Ceremony on the Walumil Lawns at Barangaroo in Sydney. Picture: AAP
Christine Anu performs during the Australia Day Wugulora Morning Ceremony on the Walumil Lawns at Barangaroo in Sydney. Picture: AAP
Entertainment in Newcastle's Foreshore Park on Australia Day in NSW. Picture: Peter Lorimer.
Entertainment in Newcastle's Foreshore Park on Australia Day in NSW. Picture: Peter Lorimer.
After the Australia Day march people gathered at Domain gardens in Melbourne. Sisters, Ella,6 and Chloe,10 loved watching the parade, Chloe along with her family arrived in Australia 9 years ago. Picture: Sarah Matray
After the Australia Day march people gathered at Domain gardens in Melbourne. Sisters, Ella,6 and Chloe,10 loved watching the parade, Chloe along with her family arrived in Australia 9 years ago. Picture: Sarah Matray
The Australia Day parade makes its way down Swanston Street in Melbourne. Picture: Sarah Matray
The Australia Day parade makes its way down Swanston Street in Melbourne. Picture: Sarah Matray
Australia Day protest at Parliament House in Melbourne. Picture: Alex Coppel
Australia Day protest at Parliament House in Melbourne. Picture: Alex Coppel
Invasion Day protesters are seen during Australia Day celebrations in Melbourne. Picture: AAP
Invasion Day protesters are seen during Australia Day celebrations in Melbourne. Picture: AAP
A special Australia Day ceremony at Melbourne Town Hall. Srithan Pandiri, 2 was youngest person to become a citizen at the Melbourne Town Hall ceremony. Picture: Sarah Matray
A special Australia Day ceremony at Melbourne Town Hall. Srithan Pandiri, 2 was youngest person to become a citizen at the Melbourne Town Hall ceremony. Picture: Sarah Matray
Rainbow Serpent Festival music fans at the camping ground. Picture: Supplied
Rainbow Serpent Festival music fans at the camping ground. Picture: Supplied
The Australia Day parade makes its way down Swanston Street in Melbourne. Picture: Sarah Matray
The Australia Day parade makes its way down Swanston Street in Melbourne. Picture: Sarah Matray
Protestors take part in an Invasion Day Rally in Sydney. Picture: AAP
Protestors take part in an Invasion Day Rally in Sydney. Picture: AAP
Crowds gather at the Invasion Day rally at Hyde Park, Sydney. Picture: Tim Pascoe
Crowds gather at the Invasion Day rally at Hyde Park, Sydney. Picture: Tim Pascoe
2019 Australian Open Pat Cash honoured at Legends Lunch Grand Hyatt. Pat Cash performs with Jon Stevens. Picture: Fiona Hamilton/Tennis Australia
2019 Australian Open Pat Cash honoured at Legends Lunch Grand Hyatt. Pat Cash performs with Jon Stevens. Picture: Fiona Hamilton/Tennis Australia
Australia Day activities on Sydney Harbour pictured from HMAS Choules. Picture: AAP
Australia Day activities on Sydney Harbour pictured from HMAS Choules. Picture: AAP
Australia Day activities on Sydney Harbour pictured from HMAS Choules. Picture: Julian Andrews
Australia Day activities on Sydney Harbour pictured from HMAS Choules. Picture: Julian Andrews
Hot Air Balloon Display in Parramatta Park, Sydney today. Picture: Darren Leigh Roberts
Hot Air Balloon Display in Parramatta Park, Sydney today. Picture: Darren Leigh Roberts
Wet N Wild Sydney. Gates opening at 10am with big crowds lining up to spend the day in the water. Pictures: Darren Leigh Roberts
Wet N Wild Sydney. Gates opening at 10am with big crowds lining up to spend the day in the water. Pictures: Darren Leigh Roberts
Australia Day in Parramatta Park, Sydney. Stephan Baistow wearing vintage NSW Fire Brigade gear. Picture: Darren Leigh Roberts
Australia Day in Parramatta Park, Sydney. Stephan Baistow wearing vintage NSW Fire Brigade gear. Picture: Darren Leigh Roberts
Australia Day in Parramatta Park, Sydney. Baomy Truong with her Dad Vien from Westmead. They are Vietnamese Australian. Picture: Darren Leigh Roberts
Australia Day in Parramatta Park, Sydney. Baomy Truong with her Dad Vien from Westmead. They are Vietnamese Australian. Picture: Darren Leigh Roberts
Peel Street buskers play to the public in Tamworth during the 2019 Tamworth Country Music Festival. Picture: Richard Dobson
Peel Street buskers play to the public in Tamworth during the 2019 Tamworth Country Music Festival. Picture: Richard Dobson
Local kids pictured cooling off in the Peel River onAustralia Day in Tamworth NSW. Picture: Richard Dobson
Local kids pictured cooling off in the Peel River onAustralia Day in Tamworth NSW. Picture: Richard Dobson
Anthony Carter, Matt Carter, Emily Badger, Joel Muddle and Luke Black pictured cooling off at a music festival campsite on 2019 Australia Day in Tamworth NSW. Picture: Richard Dobson
Anthony Carter, Matt Carter, Emily Badger, Joel Muddle and Luke Black pictured cooling off at a music festival campsite on 2019 Australia Day in Tamworth NSW. Picture: Richard Dobson
The ceremonial flame arrives by boat during the Australia Day Wugulora Morning Ceremony on the Walumil Lawns at Barangaroo in Sydney. Picture: AAP
The ceremonial flame arrives by boat during the Australia Day Wugulora Morning Ceremony on the Walumil Lawns at Barangaroo in Sydney. Picture: AAP
Australia's Dylan Alcott reacts after a point against David Wagner of the US during the men's quad wheelchair singles final on Day 13 of the Australian Open. Picture: AFP
Australia's Dylan Alcott reacts after a point against David Wagner of the US during the men's quad wheelchair singles final on Day 13 of the Australian Open. Picture: AFP
Bryce Johnson poses for a photograph during Australia Day Ute Run in Darwin. Picture: AAP
Bryce Johnson poses for a photograph during Australia Day Ute Run in Darwin. Picture: AAP
Missy the Mastiff is seen during Australia Day Ute Run in Darwin. Picture: AAP
Missy the Mastiff is seen during Australia Day Ute Run in Darwin. Picture: AAP
The convoy leaves Darwin Hidden Valley Raceway during Australia Day Ute Run in Darwin. Picture: AAP
The convoy leaves Darwin Hidden Valley Raceway during Australia Day Ute Run in Darwin. Picture: AAP
Australian bowler Pat Cummins smiles after taking two early wickets during day three of the First Test match between Australia and Sri Lanka at The Gabba in Brisbane. Picture: AAP
Australian bowler Pat Cummins smiles after taking two early wickets during day three of the First Test match between Australia and Sri Lanka at The Gabba in Brisbane. Picture: AAP
Nathan Lyon of Australia is seen appealing for the wicket of Lahiru Thirimanne of Sri Lanka with an out decision being overturned by the third umpire during day three of the First Test match between Australia and Sri Lanka at The Gabba in Brisbane. Picture: AAP
Nathan Lyon of Australia is seen appealing for the wicket of Lahiru Thirimanne of Sri Lanka with an out decision being overturned by the third umpire during day three of the First Test match between Australia and Sri Lanka at The Gabba in Brisbane. Picture: AAP
Ellyse Perry of the Sixers accepts the player of the series award during the Women's Big Bash League Final between the Sydney Sixers and the Brisbane Heat at Drummoyne Oval in Sydney. Picture: Getty
Ellyse Perry of the Sixers accepts the player of the series award during the Women's Big Bash League Final between the Sydney Sixers and the Brisbane Heat at Drummoyne Oval in Sydney. Picture: Getty
Delissa Kimmince and Laua Harris of the Heat celebrate their win during the Women's Big Bash League Final between the Sydney Sixers and the Brisbane Heat in Sydney. Picture: Getty
Delissa Kimmince and Laua Harris of the Heat celebrate their win during the Women's Big Bash League Final between the Sydney Sixers and the Brisbane Heat in Sydney. Picture: Getty
Australia Day in Orange, NSW. Jake Ruddy (man in white), Chris Long (in Geelong AFL gear) and Beau Baddock (in the hat) drinking beer at the Ophir. Picture: Emily Ellis
Australia Day in Orange, NSW. Jake Ruddy (man in white), Chris Long (in Geelong AFL gear) and Beau Baddock (in the hat) drinking beer at the Ophir. Picture: Emily Ellis
Australia Day: Charlie, (right) and Ella, at McLaren Vale Caravan Park. Picture: AAP
Australia Day: Charlie, (right) and Ella, at McLaren Vale Caravan Park. Picture: AAP
Invasion Day Protestors block the Australia Day parade in Adelaide as mulitcultural marchers try to get to Elder Park. Young girls start their dance after getting through the protest lines. Picture Mark Brake
Invasion Day Protestors block the Australia Day parade in Adelaide as mulitcultural marchers try to get to Elder Park. Young girls start their dance after getting through the protest lines. Picture Mark Brake
Yellaka: Old Wisdom New Ways traditional dancers perform during the Australian Day Tandanya Survival Day celebrations at MacDonald Park, Semaphore Beach, Adelaide. Picture: AAP
Yellaka: Old Wisdom New Ways traditional dancers perform during the Australian Day Tandanya Survival Day celebrations at MacDonald Park, Semaphore Beach, Adelaide. Picture: AAP
One of the dragon boat teams gets warmed up for the Sandy Bay Australia Day regatta in Tasmania. Picture: Mathew Farrell
One of the dragon boat teams gets warmed up for the Sandy Bay Australia Day regatta in Tasmania. Picture: Mathew Farrell
Yellaka: Old Wisdom New Ways traditional dancers pose for a photograph during Australian Day Tandanya Survival Day celebrations at MacDonald Park, Semaphore Beach, Adelaide. Picture: AAP
Yellaka: Old Wisdom New Ways traditional dancers pose for a photograph during Australian Day Tandanya Survival Day celebrations at MacDonald Park, Semaphore Beach, Adelaide. Picture: AAP
Hundreds of people from countries across the world attended the Australia Day citizenship ceremony at the Cairns Regional Council offices. Picture: Brendan Radke
Hundreds of people from countries across the world attended the Australia Day citizenship ceremony at the Cairns Regional Council offices. Picture: Brendan Radke
Australia Day fun run at Jezzine Barracks. Runners from the Townsville Dragon Boat Club. Picture: Evan Morgan
Australia Day fun run at Jezzine Barracks. Runners from the Townsville Dragon Boat Club. Picture: Evan Morgan
Australia Day fun run at Jezzine Barracks. Chrissy Lewis with Harper Lewis, 1 month. Picture: Evan Morgan
Australia Day fun run at Jezzine Barracks. Chrissy Lewis with Harper Lewis, 1 month. Picture: Evan Morgan
New Australian citizens receiving their certificate and a plant from Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds during the Australia Day celebrations at Sandy Bay in Tasmania. Picture: Mathew Farrell
New Australian citizens receiving their certificate and a plant from Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds during the Australia Day celebrations at Sandy Bay in Tasmania. Picture: Mathew Farrell
Mohamed and his family ltr Fartuh, Warsar, Nima, Safia, Nurio, Sadia and Fardowso poses for a photograph outside of Brisbane Town Hall. Today they received their Australian Citizenship. Picture: AAP
Mohamed and his family ltr Fartuh, Warsar, Nima, Safia, Nurio, Sadia and Fardowso poses for a photograph outside of Brisbane Town Hall. Today they received their Australian Citizenship. Picture: AAP
An Australia Day attendee poses for a photograph during the celebrations in Melbourne. Picture: AAP
An Australia Day attendee poses for a photograph during the celebrations in Melbourne. Picture: AAP

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Original URL: https://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/aussie-aussie-aussie-how-were-celebrating-australia-day-in-2019/news-story/0194b4470378d105759baf333226401b