UPDATE: 2.50pm
Kogarah
Early birds got the best bratwurst at Carss Bush park on Australia Day.
They also got the best spot to pitch a tent in case of rain and the best chance to grab a spot in one of the pavilions.
The early arrivals also got to see the opening ceremony which began with the traditional acknowledgement to country by Aboriginal dancers who also were happy to teach a few steps to several children prepared to take the stage.
Kogarah mayor Stephen Agius spoke about what it means to be Australia in a country of enormous cultural diversity.
He encouraged people to take pride in the land we share and recognise each other’s contribution.
The Endeavour Harmony Chorus sand the national anthem and 50 people became ‘‘new’’ Australians in a moving citizenship ceremony.
Then it was off to the marketplace to enjoy Greek loukoumades, Dutch poffertjes, Balkan chevapi, Turkish gozleme among many other famous foods of multicultural Australia.
Or to just watch the entertainment, take a swim or enjoy the many family activities.
Carss Bush Park is where Kogarah Council has been celebrating Australia Day for 25 years and which attracts many thousands during the action-packed day, ending with fireworks at 9pm.
Hurstville
It is obvious that the word is out that Oatley Park is the place to be on Australia Day.
The fact that Hurstville Council runs a shuttle bus service from various parts of the local government area undoubtedly helps residents choose the country fair atmosphere of the park over other events in St George.
By lunchtime the park is buzzing with kids and animals — everybody seems to have children and all the children are patting goats and lambs and sheep and cows.
The sheep are waiting to be sheared and the cows to be milked and a line is forming to catch these rural events close up.
Children who are not with the animals are lining up for fun rides, getting their faces painted, making cards with glue and glitter, jumping in the castle or riding the train.
Other children are parked in a pavilion with their parents and being entertained by Lazy Town’s Sportacus and Stephanie Dance Fiesta.
Lunch time hunger pangs have caused people to wait patiently in the extra long queue for a sausage in a roll.
There are people everywhere.
Earlier: The sound of I am Australian rang out across Peter Depena Park this morning as hundreds gathered to celebrate Australia Day.
The rendition by country musician and Rockdale Australia Day ambassador Col Hardy came after dozens of locals received their citizenship in a special ceremony.
The new citizens had a chance to make their own lamingtons before lining up for a free sausage sizzle.
Sisters Jacqui Tosounidis and Kim Kittlety are affectionately known as the lamington ladies and have run their stall for the past five years.
‘‘We’re a tradition now; everyone knows us,’’ Mrs Tosounidis said.
‘‘We meet a lot of new people and the kids just love it.’’
Disability advocate Margaret Turnball was named Rockdale’s Citizen of the Year while refugee volunteer Stephanie Mora was named Young Citizen of the Year.
Rising AFL star Brayden Kilpatrick was named Sportsperson of the Year.
How did you celebrate celebrate Australia Day?
