Revellers turned up with their fold-out chairs as early as 6am, filling the area around the rotunda before the ceremonies began.

Australia Day committee member Russell Turner said it was a far cry from the first Australia Day festivities held at his farm 30 years ago.

“It makes you so proud to see the diverse age of people here, the young families right through to people with walking frames,” he said.

“It grows from year to year – the community groups and the volunteers, they are what make it.”

Australia Day ambassador Jason Belmonte said he was grateful to his Italian grandparents for moving to Australia.

“And I can’t thank Australians enough for giving them that chance,” he said.

“That’s Australia – you come here, work hard and and enjoy what it has to offer.”