Australia Day 2009

Celebrate what's great!

Australia Day has become the country's biggest annual day of celebrations, with over 5,000 events planned across NSW on Monday, 26 January.

Celebrations in Sydney include the Darling Harbour Australia Day Spectacular of light, music and fireworks, discounts to the Australian museum and other popular cultural sites, children’s entertainment on stage at Hyde Park and more.

Look out for Australia Day events in your local area like the sheep shearing and whip cracking shows and a concert headlined by Grinspoon at Parramatta Park, or beach entertainment and Surf Life Saving helicopter rescue demonstrations at Wollongong.

Parliament’s Historic Legislative Chambers will be open to visitors and feature exhibitions and music on the day.

Premier Nathan Rees says Australia Day is a time for pride and celebration.

“It is a time to be proud of our history and our place in the world. It is a time to celebrate our peaceful freedom, our united and prosperous democracy – a nation in harmony with itself and its neighbours.

Recent world events like the tragedy of the Mumbai terror attacks serve as a solemn reminder of the fragility of other nations and the strength of our own.

We must never lose sight of the opportunities this strength provides. An open and transparent political system, a diverse population drawn from many cultural strands living together with respect and understanding.

There are always challenges ahead but every challenge represents a chance for Australians to show the world that we can be bold world leaders standing at the ready to face any adversity.

So on Australia Day, as we remember our beginnings as a modern nation, I join proudly with my fellow Australians in celebrating our achievements and giving thanks for our rare good fortune. Happy Australia Day.”