Dancers Adrian Sullivan and Kerrin Parkes and didgeridoo player Benji Davidson took to the stage at Noreuil Park in traditional paint.

They mimicked an emu, kangaroo and goanna in dances as mayor Kevin Mack and Wiradjuri elder Nancy Rooke sat at the rear of the stage at Noreuil Park.

Asked how they felt about performing on Australia Day, the dancers were upbeat.

“I don’t mind it, it’s bringing people together and connecting with other different nationalities,” Mr Sullivan said.

Mr Parkes added: “I’m just the same, it’s bringing us together.” 

Cr Mack, who recently shared a Facebook meme of eyeballs rolling with the caption “When somebody tells you January 26 is Invasion Day”, paid particular tribute to Aboriginal nations in his speech.

“The Wiradjuri, along with other first nation people, have a deeper Australian heritage than any others here today,” Cr Mack said.

“You are part of the oldest uninterrupted civilisation on earth and I acknowledge that with greatest respect.”

Deputy mayor Amanda Cohn, who wants Australia Day shifted, was an apology.

Mrs Rooke, who would like Australia Day held on Wattle Day, September 1, praised Albury Council for reconciliation in her Welcome to Country.

“The council has been so good to us, welcoming us and achieving togetherness,” Mrs Rooke said.

Australian Deaf Games participants attended the event, which for the first time was translated into Auslan.

Deaf games chief Alex Jones touched on the debate about Australia Day’s date in his speech, saying we need to think “are we really unified”.

He told of his personal experience of discrimination.

“I am deaf and I am gay, I have been assaulted on the street because I was holding hands with my boyfriend,” Mr Jones said.

“People make judgements about me, about what I can do and what I can’t do, why because I’m deaf and I use Auslan.”