HAPPY AUSTRALIA DAY
G'day folks,
Today is what we in this country call Australia Day - the day when the 'whiteys' landed here on the 26th of January 1788. Australia Day is an opportunity for Australians to come together to
celebrate their country and culture. There are reflections on the achievements
of the nation and explorations of way to make the country even better in the
future.
What Do People Do?
Many
people have a day off work and use the day to picnic in a park, to go shopping
or to play or to watch sports events. In some places, particularly Lake Burley
Griffin, spectacular public fireworks displays are held. In addition, the
Australian of the Year Awards are presented. These are awards for Australians
who have made an outstanding contribution to their country or community.
In some
towns and cities, citizenship ceremonies are held on Australia Day. These are
ceremonies to welcome immigrants to the country who have been granted
Australian citizenship. Although official, these ceremonies often have a
festive atmosphere.
Public Life
Australia
Day is a public holiday in all states and territories. All schools and post
offices are closed. Some public transport services do not operate and others
run a reduced service. Stores are often open, but may have reduced opening
hours. There may be some congestion on roads, particularly close to major
events.
Background
On
January 26, 1788, the First Fleet of 11 ships from Great Britain arrived at
Port Jackson, which now forms Sydney Harbour. The First Fleet was led by
Captain Arthur Philip. He established the Colony of New South Wales, the first
penal colony in Australia. By 1808, January 26 was being celebrated as “First
Landing Day” or “Foundation Day” with drinking and merriment.
Thirty
years after the arrival of the First Fleet, in 1818, the Governor of Australia
ordered a 30-gun salute, hosted a dinner ball at Government House and gave
government employees a holiday. In the following years, employees of banks and
other organizations were also given holidays. In the following decades, horse
racing and regattas were popular activities on January 26.
In 1838,
Foundation Day was Australia's first public holiday. It was also the occasion
of the first public celebrations of the founding of Australia. The shores of
Sydney Harbour were crowded and there was a firework display. By 1888, January
26 had become known as 'Anniversary Day' was celebrated in all colonies except
Adelaide. In 1888, the centenary of the arrival of the First Fleet was
celebrated with ceremonies, exhibitions, banquets, regattas, fireworks and the
unveiling of a statue of Queen Victoria.
By 1935,
January 26 was known as Australia Day in all states except New South Wales,
where it was still called Anniversary Day. In 1938, large scale celebrations
were held. These included a re-enactment of the landing of the First Fleet,
which did not mention the convict status of many of the passengers on these
ships. The re-enactment is included the removal of a group of Aborigines.
Shortly before the celebrations, a group of Aboriginal activists arranged a
“Day of Mourning”. They used this to campaign for citizenship and equal rights
for Aborigines.
From
1946, January 26 was known as Australia Day in all states. However, the public
holiday was moved to the Monday nearest to January 26 to create a long
weekend. Since 1994, the Australia Day public holiday has been on January
26 in all states and territories.
The
anniversary of the first permanent European settlement in Australia is not a
cause for celebration for all citizens. Indigenous Australians often feel that
the celebrations on Australia Day exclude them and their culture, which was
thriving for thousands of years before the arrival of the First Fleet.
Symbols
The main
symbols of Australia Day are the symbols of Australia. These include the
Australian national flag, with its representations of the Union Jack, the
Commonwealth Star and the five stars of the Southern Cross, and the national
anthem "Advance Australia Fair". Other symbols include the Golden
Wattle, which is the national floral emblem, the opal, which is the national
gemstone and the national colors of green and gold.
Clancy's comment: This year I won't be in Australia. No, hopefully I will be lying beneath a palm tree, relaxing with a cold beer in one hand and a book or camera in the other. Notwithstanding, I will as always wish nothing but the best for Australia and those who live in it.
Now, here is a very Australian song for those of you who have never visited our shores:
I'm ...
