All images by Denver Mottau

January 26, 2018 was in essence a day of coming together in Sydney to enjoy all things Australian. A day to reflect on who we are as a people, our values and achievements and what we can look forward to in the future.

Sydney came alive to celebrate everything that has made this wonderful city what it is today, one of the best in the world.

It was also a time to party, and this we did with a wide range of official activities planned and spread over Sydney and its suburbs.

It is second nature for Sydneysiders to mix and mingle and extend a hand of friendship to all fellow Australians and strangers alike saying good day mate, enjoy Australia Day,’ – a most fitting symbol of the way we greet each other on our national day.

There was something for everyone to enjoy in the official program of festivities planned for Australia Day. It began with the indigenous Wugulora Morning Ceremony at Barangaroo, acknowledging our shared history with the traditional custodians of the land. Aboriginal dancers and singers performed as the national anthem was sung in Dharawal and English, and both flags raised with pride on the Sydney Harbour Bridge to mark the start of Australia Day.

Darling Harbour became a Summer Playground providing entertainment for families and young kids with the popular children’s group, The Wiggles performing their greatest hits in two concerts plus bush bands and DJ sessions.

Victoria Park in Camperdown celebrated the world’s oldest living culture. The Yabun Festival held on the traditional lands of the Gadigal people who first called Sydney home featured live aboriginal and Torres strait Islander music and entertainment with a cross section of Australians enjoying the interesting mix of entertainers on show. It was by far one of the most relished celebrations of indigenous music to date.

Yoingu hip-hop rapper Baker Boy from North East Arnham Land fused together the traditional language and cultural elements of the hip-hop culture, while Zaachariah Fielding and his key board player and producer Michael Ross won over fans with their pop, electric and soul music. MOC Sean Choolburra’s notable parting words to crowds at Victoria Park “Everyone, please pick up one piece of rubbish so we can respect our land and leave it clean.”

The overseas Passenger Terminal proved to be one of the best venues to view the Maritime Action in Sydney Harbour as the annual Ferrython (ferry race) ventured from Circular Quay to Shark Island, and back again to finish at the Sydney Harbour Bridge. This was followed by a 21-gun military salute with the Army, Navy and Air Force in action. The skies across Sydney then came to life with a flyover by fighter planes and a Qantas A380, as well as an army parachute display over Farm Cove. The overhead flypast of RAAF jets echoed right through the city and harbour while choirs sang the national anthem.

Ships and boats of all sizes competed in the oldest continuously held annual sailing event, the Australia Day Regatta in the eastern part of Sydney Harbour.

A Tug and yacht Ballet choreographed to classical music with vessels manoeuvring in unison, treated spectators to an amazing spectacle of maritime grace and movement at Circular Quay.

The Australia Day Harbour Parade and the Tall Ships Race from Bradleys Head to Sydney Harbour Bridge was yet another impressive show of colour and maritime entertainment that transformed the harbourside precinct into a festive one.

The Sydney Opera House Forecourt saw Australian music legends John Paul Young, Christine Anu, Guy Sebastian, Casey Donovan and other popular local talent take to the stage. The concert was broadcast live on Network Ten.

The decision to move the Fireworks and light display to Circular Quay was a step in the right direction. The finish to Australia Day this year was bigger than ever. Following the` Sydney Street Party’ at the Rocks, `Live at the Quay’ witnessed Harbour parades and live musical performances from top Australian singers and dancers, jet ski shows and the dancing yacht ballet choreographed to a dazzling firework finale. This breathtaking extravaganza of lights, colour and entertainment was indeed a fitting end to a wonderful day and evening of celebrations in Sydney.