National anthem

Unity and community spirit

A shared Australian history recognises First Nations Australians as the original inhabitants of this country. An excellent starting point for acknowledging and connecting with this shared history is through language.

In Australia there are more than 250 First Nations’ languages, including 800 dialects. Each language is specific to a particular place and people.

This 2021 Australia Day program proudly showcases First Nations culture — the oldest living culture in the world. The First Nations inhabitants of the place we now call Sydney identify themselves as Eora (pronounced ‘iyora’), meaning simply ‘the people’. The many clans of the Eora nation were united by a common language, while records indicate that there were at least two dialects.

This version of the national anthem is sung at the WugulOra Morning Ceremony and Salute to Australia. It begins with a verse that is based on a long-extinct Aboriginal language of the Sydney district referred to as ‘the Sydney Language’.

The Sydney Language is endorsed by the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council as a contemporary interpretation of the first conversation and words recorded by Lieutenant William Dawes, an Englishman and naval officer with the First Fleet, with Patyegarang (pronounced Pa-te-ga-rang) a young female of the Gadigal people.

While the language we use may be Eora, this is about representing all Aboriginal culture, people and nations. And importantly, showing our commitment to working together as one community. This is why the Sydney Language version of the national anthem is being sung throughout Australia day events — so we can honour our First Nations Australians, who have always been here and will continue to be here.

We sincerely hope that raising awareness of the diversity of First Nations’ languages will help to highlight the way cultures have blended and how our lives can be enriched by all.

Lyrics

Australiagal ya’nga yabun
Eora budgeri
Yarragal Bamal Yarrabuni
Ngurra garrigarrang
Nura mari guwing bayabuba
Diara-murrahmah-coing
Guwugu yago ngabay burrabagur
Yirribana Australiagal
Garraburra ngayiri yabun
Yirribana Australiagal

Translation

The lyrics in Eora are not a direct translation of the English words, but rather substitute meanings that reveal the Eora’s deep connection to the land. We hope you feel inspired to sign along.

1. Australiagal ya’nga yabun  
  Australian(s) do sing  
  Australians all let us rejoice  
2. Eora budgeri    
  People Good    
  For we are one and free    
3. Yarragal Bamal Yarrabuni (ya – ra – boo – nee)  
  Yellow Earth (ground) do not fatigue yourself  
  With golden soil and weath for toil  
4. Ngurra garrigarrang    
  Camp sea    
  Our home is girt by sea    
5. Nura mari (mur-ray) guwing bayabuba (by-boo-bar)  
  Country many (a very large number) sunrise  
  Our land abounds in nature's gifts  
6.

Diara-murrahmah-coing

     
 

The sun setting red

     
 

Of beauty rich and rare

     
7.

Guwugu (gua-go)

yago ngabay burrabagur
 

Presently

today future event tomorrow
 

in his

trees page Let ev re stage
8.

Yirribana

Australiagal    
 

This way

Australian(s)    
 

Advance

Australia Fair    
10.

Garraburra

ngayiri yabun  
 

To dance

bring sing  
 

In joy

ful strains then let us sing  
11.

Yirribana

Australiagal    
 

This way

Australian(s)    
 

Advance

Australia Fair    

'Advance Australia Fair' in English

Australian national anthem 'Advance Australia Fair' was created by Scottish-born composer Peter Dodds McCormick. It was first performed in 1878, and replaced 'God Save the Queen' as the official national anthem in 1984.

Lyrics

Australians all let us rejoice,
For we are one and free,
We've golden soil and wealth for toil;
Our home is girt by sea;
Our land abounds in nature's gifts
Of beauty rich and rare,
In history's page, let every stage
Advance Australia Fair.
In joyful strains then let us sing,
Advance Australia Fair.

Beneath our radiant Southern Cross
We'll toil with hearts and hands;
To make this Commonwealth of ours
Renowned of all the lands;
For those who've come across the seas
We've boundless plains to share:
With courage let us all combine
To Advance Australia Fair.
In joyful strains then let us sing,
Advance Australia Fair.

Australians one and free

Prime Minister Scott Morrison changed the second line from "For we are young and free" to "For we are one and free" on 1 January 2021. Learn more

Flag flying protocols

As one of Australia’s most important symbols, the flag should be used with respect and dignity.

Follow the Australian flag protocols when flying or using the flag.

Learn about the NSW state flag, which has been in use since 1876.

Australia Day in NSW Partners