Australia Welcomes Over 20,000 New Citizens, as Australia Day Protests Brings Traffic to a Halt

Australia Day celebrations and protests have begun, following a dawn reflection that lit up the Sydney Harbour bridge with Indigenous artwork.

The sails of the Sydney Opera House are illuminated by a projection of artwork by Wiradjuri man and renowned artist James P Simon “River Life” on Australia Day in Sydney, Australia, on Jan. 26, 2025. Izhar Khan/Getty Images

Australia Day celebrations kicked off with flag-raising ceremonies, followed by citizenship ceremonies, in which around 20,600 people from 150 countries are taking the oath of citizenship.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese received a general salute from the Australian Federation Guard at a Sunday morning ceremony at Lake Burley Griffith in Canberra.

“Today, in our big cities and country towns, at beaches and backyard barbecues, and in over 280 ceremonies like this one, we celebrate everything that brings Australia together and everything that sets our nation apart from the world,” he said.

“We look back on all that we have built together and all that we have learned from each other,” he said.

Governor-General Sam Mostryn, the second woman to serve in her position, received the Vice-Regal salute and inspected the guard.

Free concerts are being held across Australia, including the Australia Day Live concert at Sydney Harbour set against the backdrop of the Sydney Opera House.

At dawn, the Sydney Opera House was lit up with the artwork of Wiradjuri-Biripi artist James P. Simon, titled River Life.

The artwork depicts the essential and life-giving role of the waterways.

“For Aboriginal people, fishing anywhere on Country, whether it is on the ocean beaches or coastal estuaries or inland rivers and lakes, it has always been about more than simply collecting food,” Simon said.

“Water provides food, medicine, tools, kinship, connection, recreation, stories, songlines and healing.

“Water is seen as a living entity with its own spirit, and it is believed that we have a responsibility to protect and care for it,” he said.

Invasion Day Protests

Tens of thousands of protesters also attended “Invasion Day” events in every capital city and many regional centres across the country.

The First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria said on their website that if the aim of a national holiday is to bring people together, it shouldn’t be held on a date that causes hurt and pain to many people.

“For many in our community, 26 January is a date that represents the beginning of dedicated attempts to wipe our people, our cultures, and our languages off the face of the planet.”

Demonstrators take part in the annual "Invasion Day" protest march through the streets of Melbourne on Australia Day on Jan. 26, 2025. PAUL CROCK/AFP via Getty Images

The Melbourne Invasion Day protest march started at at state parliament and headed to Flinders Street Station.

The protest brought central business district (CBD) traffic to a standstill, with the roads around Flinders Street completely blocked.

“Flinders Street and Wellington Parade are closed in both directions between Russell Street, Melbourne and Lansdowne Street, East Melbourne, due to a demonstration,” VicTraffic wrote in a traffic alert. “Please obey directions of Victoria Police. Consider Victoria Parade as an alternative.”

A pro-Australia Day rally was also planned outside Melbourne park—the home of the Australia Open tennis tournament, but it is not expected to cross over with other rallies.

Victoria Police said they had done extensive planning for Australia Day community events and rallies.

“We’re well prepared for all major events and will have a highly visible presence throughout the entire CBD to ensure they can occur safely,” a spokesperson said.

Protests also gathered in in Belmore Park, Sydney, and the Aboriginal Tent Embassy in Canberra.

New South Wales (NSW) police promised to use proactive policing strategies to ensure minimal impact on the community. Officers have been seen early on Sunday walking in groups assigned to positions around the Sydney CBD.

“The NSW Police Force recognises and supports the rights of individuals and groups to exercise their rights of free speech and peaceful assembly,” the force said.

“The first priority for NSW Police is always the safety of the public.”

In Adelaide, Australia Day celebrations at Elder Park/Tarntanya Wama began with “Mourning in the Morning,” a ceremony to honour Indigenous people.

“It’s just a magnificent way to commence the morning and reflection and just acknowledgement of our magnificent First Nations communities and peoples that live in our state,” Jan Chorley, CEO of the Australia Day Council of South Australia told the ABC.

Authorities Remind Aussies to Stay Safe

Heatwave warnings have been issued in Queensland, northern NSW, regions of South Australia, Central Australia and southern parts of the Northern Territory.

“Seek a place to keep cool, such as your home, a library, community centre or shopping centre,” the Bureau of Meteorology said.

In addition to weather warnings, NSW Police is reminding Australians to stay safe over the long weekend.

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said there will be a significant police presence on roads and waterways, targeting dangerous behaviour.

Transport for NSW Coordinator-General Howard Collins noted that four people died as a result of crashes on roads during the Australia Day double demerit period last year, and urged residents to drive safely.

NSW Maritime Executive Director Mark Hutchings said the last three Australia Day long weekends have seen around 50 incidents on NSW waterways resulting in three deaths and 11 people seriously injured.

“The last thing we want to see this weekend are more injuries and deaths on our roads,” Catley said.

Collins requested people wear their seatbelt or helmet if on a motorbike, stick to the speed limit, put their phone away, and never drive if affected by drugs or alcohol.