Judging by how people celebrated in Monash last Saturday, it is the diversity of ways

of marking the nation's birthday.

At a relaxed ceremony at Monash Civic Centre in Glen Waverley, about 200 civic-minded residents sang the national anthem with guest soloist Mark Doggett and the Oakleigh City Band.

All stood and some saluted as the Australian flag was raised.

In the background a stream of cars, some with boats and bikes in tow, hurtled down Springvale Road for a long weekend at the beach.

Under a hot noon sun in Jells Park, barbecues sizzled and boomerangs were hurled as part of a free Rotary Club of Waverley event and the Maltese La Vallette Association hosted a popular sit-down lunch.

Elsewhere, there were organised bushwalks, cultural demonstrations in cake decorative art, wood turning and dancing and the Globe to Globe world music festival took place in Clayton South.

At the Civic Centre, Australia Day ambassador Mark Zafiropoulos, former general manager of SBS Television, told the crowd that Australia was "the best country in the world".

He was born in Greece, arrived Australia "without a word of English" and became mayor of Fitzroy.

"For me and my family, Australia has given us great opportunities. It encouraged us to fulfil our dreams and aspirations and allowed us to join the Australian family as equal citizens."

He said Australia had always been "a drawcard" for those with imagination and a capacity for hard work. "Generations of settlers, from all over the world, have come here to create a better future for themselves and for their children."

In his address, Monash Mayor Paul Klisaris asked the public to reflect on Australians' character, spirit and diversity and the values they shared.

"To me it's about the people, our diversity, our land, our freedom and democracy and a willingness to embrace those wanting to call Australia home."

In the crowd, John and Marjo Angelico, whose parents arrived from wartime Europe, sat with three grandchildren, waving flags.

Asked why they celebrated the day, Mrs Angelico, who arrived with her family from the Netherlands as a girl, said there was "a lot to be happy about being in Australia".

She said it was important to preserve traditions and to ensure freedoms were not eroded.

"The longer you're around, the more you appreciate how lucky we are to grow up in Australia."