Oz Day: Small steps to reconciliation

As Australia Day is celebrated at home, troops overseas send messages to family and friends.

IT was a small step, but a significant one.

At around 8am (AEDT) on Saturday, before the obligatory family barbecues and citizenship ceremonies were under way across the country, the Aboriginal and Australian flags were slowly raised on the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Full Australia's Day honours list here

It was the first time both flags have flown side by side atop the bridge on Australia Day.

But while the iconic bridge may have become a symbol of unity for the day, many Aboriginal people see little reason to celebrate January 26, which also marks 225 years since the First Fleet arrived.

The Aboriginal flag sits on top the Harbour Bridge for the first time. Picture: Sam Ruttyn Source: News Limited

About 50 people marked the day near the famous tent embassy in Canberra by announcing that the country's first Aboriginal political party, formed in the Northern Territory two years ago, would contest this year's federal election.

There were calls for people to stand up for their rights and end the NT intervention program, but no repeat of the angry protests that marred last year's Australia Day celebrations in the nation's capital.

In Sydney, NSW Governor Marie Bashir said Captain Arthur Phillip knew he was an intruder who would change the lives of Aboriginal people forever.

Australia Day celebrations are ready to go off this long weekend

''We are walking together, I believe, as one people,'' she said of steps being taken toward reconciliation.

The message of ''one people'' rang true today for the more than 17,000 people from 145 countries who took the citizenship pledge to become freshly-minted Aussies.

At a ceremony in Canberra, National Australia Day Council chair Adam Gilchrist told a crowd that new citizens will enjoy all the opportunities Australia can provide.

PM Julia Gillard kisses Ian Mears from London .. who has now becoman Australian Citizen today in a ceremony with Governor General Quentin Bryce on the shore of lake burley griffin in Canberra . Picture: Kym Smith Source: News Limited

''There's no doubt we are richer, we are stronger and a more egalitarian country because they and many others choose to come here,'' he said.

The Canberra ceremony kicked off  with a parade of the Federation Guard and the playing of the national anthem.

The ceremony was attended by Australian of the Year Ita Buttrose, Young Australian of the Year Akram Azimi, Senior Australian of the Year Professor Ian Maddocks and Australia's 2013 Local Hero Indigenous leader Shane Phillips.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Governor-General Quentin Bryce looked on as the Australian flags were raised and a group of Hawk 127 aircraft flew overhead. A 21-gun salute resounded over the capital.

Jessica Mauboy will perform on two floating stages at Athol Bay and Blues point reserve as part of North Sydney's Australia Day celebrations. Picture: John Appleyard

Almost 100 people from 22 countries were taking part in the citizenship pledge in Canberra.

Ms Gillard, who was born in the UK, said she was a proud member of the millions who had taken the pledge since 1949.

A 90 second wrap up of the live Sky coverage of flag raising and citizenship ceremony in Canberra

''As migrants - all four million of us - we did not just adopt a new country,'' she said.

''This is your new country, and you'll never want another. Welcome to citizenship. Welcome to Australia. Welcome home.''

Ms Gillard also gave one Englishman a kiss on the cheek, when he became a citizen.

Ian Mears from London was wearing a tie saying "Kiss me I'm Aussie", and the Prime Minister gave him his Australia Day wish.

World-renowned British actor Miriam Margolyes, known for her roles in the television comedy Blackadder and as Professor Sprout in the Harry Potter films, was among those to take the pledge in Canberra.

As Australian of the Year, Ita Buttrose will have ageist attitudes and dementia in her sights.

''I'm just very happy to be here, and I will be with friends and the rest of my life will be joyous,'' she said.

Thousands of new people were welcomed at citizenship ceremonies in each state, and families were encouraged to soak up the fun and atmosphere at a variety of free events.

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott told an Australia Day breakfast and citizenship ceremony in Adelaide that new citizens are changing the country for the better.

PM Julia Gillard giving actress Miriam Margolyes her certificate for becoming an Australian Citizen at the Australia Day Flag Raising and Citizenship Ceremony on the shore of Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra. Picture: Kym Smith Source: News Limited

Change should be welcomed ''when it's in accordance with the customs and traditions of our people'', he said.

Thousands of people turned out in Sydney's CBD to watch The Wiggles unveil their new line-up, as indigenous artist Jessica Mauboy performed on a floating stage in Sydney Harbour.

In Tamworth, country music fans lined the town's main drag for an annual cavalcade that celebrates both Australia Day and the finale of the iconic 10-day country music festival.

There was less fanfare in Queensland, where Premier Campbell Newman warned Australia Day revellers to batten down the hatches as heavy downpours threatened parts of the state with flooding.

Almost 100 people have taken part in a citizenship ceremony in Canberra.

Gladstone was declared a disaster area, while mini-tornadoes damaged scores of buildings and injured up to 20 people in Bargara, Burnett Heads and other townships in the Bundaberg district.

Australia Day video messages from Australian Defence Force personnel serving in United Arab Emirates

Deputy Prime Minister Wayne Swan said the second anniversary of the Queensland floods this year reminded him of those who pulled together to help friends and strangers faced with losing everything.

''The Australian spirit is never stronger than when we face these kinds of events together,'' he said.

Sydney Harbour turns into a race course as the iconic Sydney Ferries race under the Harbour Bridge. Photo: Sam Ruttyn Source: News Limited

Victorians were reminded to remember the volunteers spending their Australia Day fighting blazes in some parts of the state and dealing with the aftermath of others.

Thousands of Tasmanians gathered for a concert at the same pub in Dunally, in the state's east, where ferocious bushfires tore through the region earlier this month.

Local Mayor Kerry Vincent said despite the horror the bushfires brought with them, the community was coming together in the spirit of solidarity.

Not all Australians are celebrating January 26. The Aboriginal community in Tasmania speak out against what they call Invasion Day.

In Western Australia, more than 2500 new citizens from 92 countries took the pledge at more than 80 citizenship ceremonies around the state, including the second-largest in the country, at Wanneroo in Perth's north.

About 300,000 people are expected to attend Perth's Skyworks display on the Swan River tonight, up 50,000 from last year thanks to milder weather.

The city has enjoyed a 36C degree maximum, compared to 2012's sweltering 41C.

Overseas in Afghanistan, Aussie troops sent their recorded messages to loved ones via video link.

Jessica Mauboy's moving rendition of Advance Australia Fair celebrating Australia Day

In the United States, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton wished all Aussies a safe and happy Australia Day and reiterated that the US remains a committed partner and friend.

"As you celebrate your national day with loved ones, know that the United States stands with you as a committed partner and friend," Ms Clinton said in a statement received today.

"I wish all Australians a safe and happy holiday celebration and continued peace and prosperity in the coming year."

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott says new Australian citizens are changing the country for the better.

Ms Clinton said her recent visit to Australia for the annual AUSMIN talks had reminded her of the strong bonds that united the two countries.

Brad Ivers of Eltham CFA bats with Matt Thomas (left) of Eltham CFA and Andrew Griffith (centre) of Wattleglen CFA in the field as they celebrate Australia Day with a game of cricket after their night shift on the Hurstbridge Tanker 2 before heading home on January 26, 2013 in Hayfield, Australia Picture: Hamish Blair Source: Herald Sun

 "We are cooperating on more issues than ever before, from strengthening security to space exploration, from expanding educational exchanges to increasing trade and commerce," she said.

"We are also working tirelessly to advance the causes of freedom, democracy and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific and across the globe. All of this is reinforced by the ties of family, friends, values and principles."

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