THE hoisting of two flags - potent symbols of the nation's divided past - triggered fresh debate about reconciliation on Saturday, as Australia's newest citizens looked forward to life in the lucky country.
Almost 3800 people from nations around the world - including some from war zones - became Aussies in NSW on Saturday, starting new chapters as part of their adopted nation's future.
Across the nation, 17,059 people from 145 countries became Australians in 430 citizenship ceremonies.
But as NSW celebrated Australia Day - marking 225 years since the First Fleet landed in Sydney - it was the fractured past, not the vaunted future, that caused debate.
Celebrations began early in Sydney, the sun barely up over the Opera House, when the Aboriginal and Australian flags were raised over the Harbour Bridge.
It was the first time the two banners have flown together on the iconic landmark on Australia Day.
NSW Aboriginal Affairs Minister Victor Dominello said the flag-raising was a step towards reconciliation.
"I'm not saying that it's perfect. There is still a long way to go," he told reporters.
"But we are definitely on the right path."
But there was dissent.
Former Australian Democrat senator Andrew Bartlett wrote on Twitter: "26th Jan: anniversary of Britain establishing their colony of New South Wales. Nothing for the rest of us (or First Peoples) to celebrate."
NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell quickly replied: "Except that your home state (& others) were opened up & carved out of NSW by people who lived here #getagrip."
Mr Bartlett retorted: "Carved up rather than 'carved out'."
It was a small skirmish on a day when most new Australians were intent on celebrating the present and the future.
For some, gaining citizenship was merely confirmation, a rubber-stamping of long-term faithfulness to the land Down Under.
Ex-Londoner Debbie Smith arrived in Australia 22 years ago on holiday and never left.
"Probably after about five years, you begin to feel assimilated to the country," she told AAP.
"If we're playing England, I still feel Australian."
For others, gaining citizenship was the culmination of long-held dreams.
South African-born Michael and Kim Parker, and their children Liam and Aiden, always wanted to make Australia home.
"Four years ago today we were walking along through the park and my cousin tapped me on the shoulder and said 'mate you could be up there one day on that stage getting your citizenship'," Mr Parker told AAP.
"So the dream has come true and we're here today."
Elsewhere, people were simply intent on having a good time, apparently oblivious to both the old and the new.
Gold Coast residents Andrew Lamond and Marshall Dudley drove overnight to Sydney with two friends from the US.
"We had to show them what Australia Day is all about so we got in the car and left," Mr Lamond said at a cafe in George St.
Mr Dudley instructed his California mates Amanda Smith and Maria Kosuzmenko how to celebrate.
"You shouldn't be drinking water, for a start," he said around 9.30am as he moved their water glasses off the table.
"I've already had a beer."
Thousands of people flocked into Sydney CBD to witness free shows, including The Wiggles unveiling their new line-up at Hyde Park.
Revellers began bagging the best spots in parks and reserves around the city, with eskies full of ice cold drinks, portable barbies and plenty of snags.
Sydneysider Doreen Carter was with her family in Hyde Park at 8.30am (AEDT) and planned to spend the day enjoying the free entertainment.
"It's one of the few days, other than Christmas, where we get the whole family together and just concentrate on enjoying ourselves," she said.