From January 1, 2021, the lyric "for we are young and free" was changed to "for we are one and free".

The word "young" had long caused offence in both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, as it was felt that it wiped out of tens of thousands of years of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander occupation of the land.

"It was a fair concern, there is no question about it," said Gerald Power, who runs Indigenous Cultural Adventures.

"We still aren't recognised in the constitution, and still not recognised completely in the school curriculum in terms of Indigenous people and their story.

"To have that change to 'one and free' is definitely more reflective of us being here for more than 50,000 years."

He said he had people in their 70s who took his tours who said they had been taught almost nothing about pre-settlement Australia.

Community leader Michael Newman from Orange Aboriginal Medical Service said the change to the lyric of Advance Australia Fair was "really good".

"I think it puts in perspective that our Aboriginal culture is the oldest living continuing culture in human history," he said.

"And it paints a picture that our nation isn't young."

Mr Newman described the change as "an innovative move".

"I expect the government will get some flak, but I think it is subtle and impactful to showcase reconciliation at that level."

Mr Newman said he understood that a lot of Indigenous people would still object to the national anthem.

"It's the same with the flag, and its ties to settlement and colonisation," he said.

But he said more importance should be placed on people coming together "day-in, day-out, not just when they sing the anthem".

"We need to build appreciation of our differences and more importantly identify where there is inequality and try and remedy that."