Organiser Jim Butler said he was “over the moon” with the day, and he predicted the event would be back bigger, better and stronger next year.

“It was all about embracing unity and togetherness, to help our country grow as one,” he said of the day that started with a moving ceremony in which the flags of many nations were raised simultaneously.

Moments earlier there was a smoking ceremony conducted by members of the Yuin Aboriginal community, while didgeridoo and bagpipes played together in a taste of what was to come.

People attending the opening were invited to raise flags lining the path into the club, but all were asked to help lift the flags of nations other than their own.

Mr Butler said that was all part of the focus on promoting awareness and acceptance across cultures and borders.

The theme was strong during the day, which even saw food exchanged among the people from stalls offering delicacies from nations as diverse as Turkey, Tonga, Thailand and China, along with Australian bush tucker.

Many of the visitors also enjoyed sampling treats from several of the food stalls, with hand made goods from around the world were also available during the day.

Music continued throughout the day headlined by X Factor star Veanka Howard, while other performers included the Ngaran Ngaran Aboriginal cultural group, indigenous rapper Rhyan Clapham, belly dancer Kelly Byrne, and a Tongan group.

As the festival was officially opened, State Member for South Coast, Shelley Hancock, said it was “fantastic for the Easter weekend in Ulladulla”.

“It reminds us we are a festival of nations here in Ulladulla,” she added.

Representing Shoalhaven Mayor Joanna Gash, Cr Patricia White said the festival’s aim of breaking down barriers and promoting understanding was important in a troubled world.

“This should be praised as one of the Shoalhaven’s greatest events,” she said.

And while one in five local residents was born overseas, “Australia works and it works well,” said Cr Allan Baptist, representing Federal Member for Gilmore, Ann Sudmalis.

Many cultures contributed to the “rich tapestry” that was life in Australia, Cr Baptist said, helping to create a happy society that “walked in the footsteps of Aboriginal people who have been the guardians of our land for thousands of years”.