Australia Day is the official national day of Australia. Celebrated annually on 26 January, the day commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove in 1788, the hoisting of the British flag there, and the proclamation of British sovereignty over the eastern seaboard of Australia.
Australia Day is an official public holiday in every state and territory of Australia, and is marked by the Order of Australia and Australian of the Year awards, along with an address from the Prime Minister.
Although it was not known as Australia Day until over a century later, records of celebrations on 26 January date back to 1808, with Governor Lachlan Macquarie having held the first official celebration of the formation of New South Wales in 1818. In 2004, an estimated 7.5 million people attended Australia Day celebrations and functions across the country.
Australia Day and Reconciliation
On Australia Day we recognise the unique status of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The Australia is committed to the journey of reconciliation through helping all Australians move forward with a better understanding of the past and how it affects the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people today.
Why do Indigenous people not celebrate Australia Day, but celebrate Survival or Invasion Day?
All Australians celebrate differently, that's what's great about it. Yes, it's true, because of the date of commemoration, many Indigenous Australians celebrate their survival on the 26th of January. This doesn't mean Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are not proud Australians - their cultures rest firmly on pride, respect and care for this great land we all share. Australians acknowledge our diversity and are encouraged be inclusive.
What does Australia Day mean to Indigenous Australians?
It's a day for all Australians, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, to celebrate what makes us great, to consider where we've come from, where we are now, and what kind of a future we want to build together. We all have a contribution to make.
Happy Australia Day to any Australians (except for myself) who are still up and about. :-)
Well then, Happy Australia Day.
Agreed Happy Australia Day.
Could you please send over more folks like Paul Hogan,Nichole Kidman,Hellen Redy(not sure about that spelling)and the absolute hunk Hugh Jackman.
Well then, Happy Australia Day.Agreed Happy Australia Day.
Could you please send over more folks like Paul Hogan,Nichole Kidman,Hellen Redy(not sure about that spelling)and the absolute hunk Hugh Jackman.
Ok here are some more, just off the top of my head -
Ninjas are better than grubby Australians!
Ninjas are better than grubby Australians!
I refer you to badass of the week
Australia makes ninjas look like the pyjama wearing, mommy's boys who are too afraid to come out of the shadows and go toe to toe with their opposition.
:-)
I had to look twice to realize that the picture on the flag was actually an eye. For a moment, I thought .... no, it isn't.... is it? <blink, blink>