Kogarah mayor Nickolas Varvaris asked people to consider their commitment to Australia at a citizenship ceremony held on the shores of Kogarah Bay.

"Australia is a country of great cultural diversity and Australia Day allows everyone to reflect on what it means to be Australian," he said.

"As you soak up the wonderful atmosphere today, stop for a moment and reflect on just that.

"We're all lucky to live in this country; and Australia Day gives us the opportunity to be thankful for it."

Guest speaker, international pianist Simon Tedeschi, took the stage after a welcoming ceremony from the Diramu Aboriginal Dance and Didgeridoo group.

"It's quite amazing when you think about the paradoxes of this country — we're so young and yet so old," Mr Tedeschi said.

"We have the oldest country in the world right here in front of us.

"That's tremendously special for somebody like myself."

People from around the world then formalised their ties to Australia by taking the oath of allegiance.

Shreela Pradhan, of Kogarah, was born in Nepal and came to Australia in 2007 with her husband, Binay.

They have settled among St George's strong Nepalese community and are now Australian citizens.

"I've been waiting for this for quite a while now," Mrs Pradhan said.

Carlton hairdresser Betty Shade said Australia Day at Carss Park was all about "good food and friends", while Danny Saad, of Blakehurst, said it was a "great day to be proud of our country".