Kogarah mayor, Nickolas Varvaris, welcomed new citizens to ‘‘a country of great culture diversity’’ before leading them through official pledges to the nation.

Internationally renowned pianist Simon Tedeschi had organisers on his toes when he took the lectern with a wary warning.

‘‘Generally pianists don’t get asked to give speeches, and there’s a good reason for that,’’ he said.

‘‘I left my speech notes at home, so I’m going to be winging this.’’

He talked about his respect for Indigenous culture and a family history fleeing persecution in Nazi Europe before stepping away from the microphone.

‘‘I hope you enjoyed my short speech,’’ he said, ‘‘if not, I hope you had a good nap.’’

But few folks were resting, and most families were active under cloudy skies.

Some chose to splash in Kogarah Bay, while others used free beach balls and frisbees to keep the kids amused.

The roving, seven-piece Hot Potato Band performed brassy covers of ocker classics like Men at Work’s Down Under, while giant pink emu mascots and the Happy Healthy Harold giraffe pushed the multicultural message and mixed Uluru with Timbuktu.

Australia Day celebrations at Carss Bush Park reach will a climax with fireworks at 8pm tonight, and all official activities wrap up at 9pm.