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AAP
AAP
Politics
Maureen Dettre

Full Australia Day program for NSW

The NSW government has announced the full line-up of events for Australia Day 2023. (Jeremy Ng/AAP PHOTOS) (AAP)

Australia Day in NSW will be marked with a full program of events again after years of disruptions, with Sydney Harbour taking centre stage for an "inspirational national day from dawn to dusk".

The NSW government and Australia Day Council of NSW have released the program for January 26, with a focus on bringing communities together.

"All Australians are encouraged to reflect, respect and honour the history of our nation and mark the day in a way that is meaningful to them," a statement released on Wednesday said.

Premier Dominic Perrottet says Australia Day is an opportunity to have conversations about our history and continue to work towards reconciliation and healing.

After so many NSW communities having faced challenges in the past year, particularly through successive flood disasters, it was essential people find hope, unite and enjoy Australia Day events, he said.

"We recognise that Australia Day means different things to different people, and, in particular, for many First Nations people it can be a challenging and distressing day."

"The Australia Day in NSW program will provide opportunities to reflect with optimism on our people and culture, our successful multicultural society and a bright future for NSW," Mr Perrottet said.

Yvonne Weldon from the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council and deputy chair of the Australia Day Council of NSW said Australia Day was a time to commemorate the survival of First Nations culture.

"Let's have truthful conversations with each other about our history, and in moving forward we can walk together," she said.

At dawn on January 26, the Sydney Opera House sails will be illuminated with First Nations' artwork as the Australian National Flag and Australian Aboriginal Flag are raised together.

The WugulOra Morning Ceremony at Barangaroo will invite everyone to recognise the importance of the world's oldest continual living culture.

Throughout the day Sydney Harbour and the foreshore will be in the spotlight with the Harbour Parade, the Ferrython, the Tall Ships Race, Salute to Australia and aerial Defence Force displays.

At dusk the Australia Day Live concert at the Sydney Opera House Forecourt will get underway and the day will culminate with fireworks.

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