By Callum Godde and Ben McKay

A mighty breaching whale, lit up on the Sydney Opera House’s sails, has heralded  Australia Day, as political leaders and police plead for calm across planned demonstrations.

Indigenous artist Garry Purchase’s artwork was the backdrop to early morning celebrations in Sydney, ahead of citizenship ceremonies and barbecues around the nation.

Addressing an event in Canberra, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had a simple message for the newest Australians: “Welcome home.”

“Whether we are Australian by birth or by choice, we all share the opportunity, the privilege and the responsibility of being part of something extraordinary,” he said.

While many celebrate the national day, others will protest in competing anti-Australia Day and anti-immigration rallies.

Every major capital across the nation will host Invasion Day protests on Monday, with tens of thousands expected to turn out in Sydney and Melbourne.

Far-right March for Australia rallies have also been organised in capital cities and some regional centres.

Police in NSW, Victoria and Queensland have promised to come down hard on any troublemakers.

NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden foreshadowed a “strong tone” from the force following the Bondi Beach terror attack on December 14 and several other alleged hate crimes.

About 1500 officers will flood metropolitan Sydney to monitor the events.

“Anyone that turns up for Australia Day for any activity (that) engages in any anti-social, threatening, intimidating conduct will be arrested, will be charged and removed from the environment,” Mr McFadden said.

High temperatures also bring concerns, with forecasts of an unbearable 45C in Adelaide and 37C in Brisbane.

The scorcher in Adelaide has prompted the Australia Day Council SA to cancel an evening concert and fireworks display over health and safety concerns.

Highs of Canberra (32C), Melbourne (30C), Sydney (27C), Hobart (24C) are closer to an average summer’s day, while Perth is tipped for a mild 23C.

January 26 is a day of mourning for many indigenous people, marking the First Fleet’s 1788 arrival in Australia and the start of British colonisation.

But the latest polling suggests support is firming for Australia’s national day to remain on January 26.

Resolve Political Monitor put backing for the current date at 68 per cent, up from 56 per cent in January 2024 and 47 per cent in January 2023.

A survey from Roy Morgan indicated support could be as high as 72 per cent.

Away from the politics of the day, local councils will hold citizenship ceremonies and hand out awards.

Ahmed Al Ahmed, who famously disarmed one of the Bondi gunmen before being shot and injured, will be honoured with a key to the City of Canterbury Bankstown in Sydney’s southwest.

In a video message wishing people a happy Australia Day”, the prime minister issued a call for unity

“Whilst this summer has tested our nation, once again, as ever, in the worst of times, we have seen the very best of the Australian character,” he said.

Opposition Leader Sussan Ley, who migrated to Australia with her family when she was 13, vowed to continue to fight for and protect national symbols.

“We should be proud of our country, confident in our values and united in celebrating what brings us together rather than what pulls us apart,” she said at an Australia Day ceremony on Sunday night in Corowa, known as the birthplace of federation.

Katherine Bennell-Pegg, the first astronaut to fly under the Australian flag, was named 2026 Australian of the Year at a ceremony in Canberra on Sunday night.