Esteemed Readers, Indulge your faithful correspondent as I recount the tales of this most curious and kaleidoscopic of national days. Let us begin with a disclaimer (of course): some of what follows may dance delicately along the border of factual accuracy—but what is life without a touch of flair, eh?
The Day Dawns with Reflection and Fireworks
Under skies as blue as a kookaburra’s laugh, Australia Day 2025 kicked off in Sydney with a touching dawn reflection at Darling Harbour. The sails of the Opera House shimmered with breathtaking Indigenous artwork, inspiring awe among early risers—and at least one bloke who mistakenly thought it was a new Vivid light display and started selling glow sticks.
As crowds celebrated the day, tens of thousands also took to the streets for “Invasion Day” marches, their chants echoing through Sydney, Melbourne, and beyond with placards bearing powerful messages like “Always Was, Always Will Be Aboriginal Land” and “Change the Date.” The mood was both determined and hopeful, with Aboriginal leaders calling for deeper recognition and reconciliation.
Meanwhile, over in Melbourne, 150 freshly minted Aussies celebrated their citizenship at Town Hall. Across the road at Federation Square, roving entertainers—among them a juggler dressed as Ned Kelly—worked the crowds as locals prepared for an evening of Aussie Open tennis on the big screen.
A Sizzle in the Suburbs
In the west of Sydney, Parramatta Park was alive with the aroma of sausage sizzles and the inexplicable sound of someone attempting “Waltzing Matilda” on a didgeridoo.
Thousands flocked there for a hot air balloon show, where one particularly silly balloonist attached a banner reading, “If the snag’s burnt, it’s still Aussie.”
It was a big day for the barbeque faithful, but controversy struck when an overly ambitious influencer attempted to put avocado on a sausage sandwich. A near-riot ensued, though the situation was diffused when someone handed out extra sauce packets.
A Warm Welcome for New Aussies
Across the country, over 15,000 new Australians were sworn in, each greeted with the warmest of smiles—and the obligatory instruction to learn all the verses of Advance Australia Fair (including the second verse nobody remembers). In Canberra, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese waxed lyrical about unity, family, and “giving it a red-hot go,” as he personally welcomed dozens of new citizens. His heartfelt speech was almost drowned out by the Governor-General’s unintentional microphone feedback, which some mistook for a live didgeridoo performance.
Sports, Sparks, and the Great Thong Debate
Warm weather inspired spirited races at the OzDay 10k wheelchair competition, where Paralympic champ Madison de Rozario zipped to victory yet again, leaving everyone else eating her dust—and possibly a stray eucalyptus leaf or two. Over in Adelaide, the Mourning in the Morning Smoking Ceremony drew large crowds, a poignant reminder of the day’s deeper significance.
On the lighter side, a new sport emerged on Bondi Beach: thong flinging. The competition turned fierce as one participant launched their footwear so far it was reportedly retrieved by a lifeguard patrolling near Fiji.
An Honourable Aussie and a National Debate
The nation cheered as former AFL player and MND campaigner Neale Daniher was named Australian of the Year, having raised over $100 million to battle motor neurone disease. “This disease might rob us of movement, but it can’t rob us of hope,” he declared, inspiring Australians to dig deep—and, in one case, a pub to hold a charity stubby toss.
Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, notable for his absence at Canberra’s ceremony, opted to spend the day in his Queensland electorate, prompting Albo to quip, “If you want to
lead the nation, you might want to attend its parties.”
Celebration and Reflection in Equal Measure
For some, January 26 remains a day of mourning. Protests in capital cities attracted tens of thousands, with calls to change the date growing louder. As always, Australians balanced celebration with contemplation, laughter with listening.
A Date Debate: May 8, Mate Day?
Ah, the date debate. It loomed large over the day, as it has for years. Esteemed readers, one proposal gaining momentum is to move the celebrations to May 8—affectionately dubbed “Mate Day.” A date that sounds like “mate,” they argue, is uniquely Australian and would celebrate the camaraderie that unites us, rather than dividing us.
The idea was floated at many gatherings, including Parramatta Park’s sausage sizzle, where one spirited Sydneysider declared between bites of a burnt snag, “May 8 just makes sense! I mean, who doesn’t love a day about mate”.
As the Sun Sets on Another Australia Day…
Australians across the nation flocked to beaches, parks, and backyards. Esky races, vegemite art competitions, and questionable karaoke renditions of John Farnham tunes marked the evening’s revelry. Yet, as fireworks lit up the skies, the message of unity prevailed. Whether over a burnt snag or a heartfelt Welcome to Country, Australians found ways to share stories, reflect, and look forward to brighter tomorrows. Whether on May 8, Mate Day or another date, one thing is clear: Australians are celebrating this great land in a way that unites us all.
Yours in yarns and yabbies,
Dame Wombat
