The activities were too many to mention, ranging from attending official ceremonies to induct and welcome new citizens to the ‘‘traditional’’ beer and barbecue.

In between these two public and private activities came a (Port Phillip) bay swim at Mt Martha, a fun run and walk at Dromana, picnic races at Balnarring, yacht regattas and the annual parade down Main Sreet, Mornington, these days starting at 5pm to avoid the hottest part of the day and bring it closer to displays of fireworks marking the end of yet another national day of celebration.

One of the more prominent Australia Day fashions adopted this year seemed to be small national flags attached to car windows, bumper bars, bonnets, boats, bikes and tatooed onto backsides (cheekily revealed by hipster shorts).

Frankston Mayor Christine Richards told the 200 people a citizenship ceremony at Seaford that citizenship ‘‘symbolises our unity as a nation’’.

‘‘It is the common bond that unites all Australians, whether you were born here, or you have decided to make Australia your home.’’

The 75 new citizens were reminded that citizenship came with rights and obligations: ‘‘You have made a pledge of commitment to Australia and its people and have been provided with a certificate to mark the occasion of that commitment. The basic right of all Australian citizens is equality before the law.’’

While the ideals expressed by the mayor might not have been high on the list of priorities of the thousands flocking to beaches or firing up barbies at Frankston or on the peninsula, there was no mistaking the popularity of having a day off and showing the flag.

Rona Russell was named Frankston’s citizen of the year with Evan Bishop as the young citizen of the year. Both are tireless volunteers working for community charities.

On the peninsula, volunteer Rosemarie (Rosie) Clarke was named citizen of the year, with Kirsty Reaks as young citizen. The freedom of entry to Mornington given to HMAS Cerberus was named the community event of the year.

Mornington Peninsula Mayor David Gibb said the shire’s Australia Day awards ‘‘recognise people who have made an amazing contribution to our local community’’.

‘‘They have all been recognised for the significant impact they have made over the past year, as well as for their outstanding service to their local communities over a number of years.’’