From the earliest
white settlement at the end of the 18th century, Australians
have striven to celebrate a national day, and in so doing,
define what it means to be Australian. January 26 has
traditionally marked the landing of Captain Arthur Phillip at
Port Jackson in present-day Sydney, thereby claiming Australia
for the British Empire. Early settlers, perhaps naturally,
marked the anniversary. Australia Day has evolved from a small
commemorative New South Wales holiday into a major national
celebration. Though it has often been criticised, it remains the
most inclusive celebration of a national day in Australia,
expressing the national diversity which has become such an
important part of the Australian national character.
In 1946, the Commonwealth Government, States and Territories
agreed to observe one national day 'Australia Day' under one
banner and on the same day. During this period the celebrations
continued to have a largely imperial feel consisting mainly of
formal re-enactments of the First Fleet's landing. The National
Australia Day Council was formed in 1979, with state and
territory councils and committees soon after. From their
inception they have encouraged more 'grass roots' celebrations,
working with local government authorities to promote the wider
celebration of Australia Day. However, the Australia Day public
holiday was still held on the Monday closest to January 26 and
to the broader community it was just another holiday.
Alongside the celebrations 1988 was named a Year of Mourning for
Australia's Aboriginal people, who also regarded the year as a
celebration of survival. It was the most vocal indigenous
presence ever felt on 26 January. Since the bi-centenary
Australia Day celebrations have continued to grow in number and
stature with the celebrations continuing to involve a larger and
broader audience. It was not until 1994 however, that all the
states and territories endorsed the celebration of Australia Day
on the actual day instead of the closest Monday. United
Australia Day celebrations have been held on 26 January ever
since.
While formal dinners and informal celebrations to mark the
landing of the First Fleet at Camp Cove were held on the 26
January each year, the first official celebration of English
colonisation was held in 1818. During the colonial period, 26
January was called Foundation Day in New South Wales. Other
colonies celebrated with their own dates of significance
relating to the founding of their colonies. Western Australia,
for example, celebrated Proclamation Day on 21 October each
year. Since 1901, when Australia was declared a nation, the
landing of the First Fleet at Camp Cove has evolved from a small
commemorative New South Wales holiday into a major national
celebration, recognised as Australia Day. From 1994 all states
and territories agreed to celebrate Australia Day on the actual
day. The date of arrival of the First Fleet in Port Jackson is
today celebrated as the founding of the modern Australian
nation.
Australia Day today is a community day recognizing both the settlers and
the indigenous people of Australia. The formal ceremonies start on
Australia Day eve and continue through to the next day. Flag raising,
citizenship ceremonies and the presentation of community awards are
combined with breakfats, local events and fun activities for families
throughout Australia. Fireworks and parades can be seen in communities
of all sizes. The Lawns of Parliament House in Canberra are the site of
festivities, concerts and lightshows.
* Organise a flag raising ceremony with your family. Hang the Australian
Flag from windows. Have an Australia Day concert and hold an Australia
Day Quiz to mark Australia Day.
* Arrange a presentation about your family or community history and
heritage and invite local families to attend. Arrange for school, church
and other bells to be rung at a set time on Australia Day. Make your
garden, house or school colourful with balloons in our Australian
colours of green and gold.
* Summer and Australia Day are synonymous. Build an Australia Day sand
castle. Shape it like a flag, an Aussie thong, a cockatoo, kangaroo or
koala. Take a canvas sun hat and hang corks on it - Aussie style! Get
out your Vegemite sandwiches and give three cheers for Australia.
* Feast together on Australia Day by getting everyone to bring along an
addition to your Australia Day Feast. Make an Australia Day cake.
Decorate it with the Aussie flag, or in colours of green and gold.
Decorate your Australia Day lunch or dinner table with green and gold
capsicums. Add some mini Australian flags and drink a toast to Australia
with some iced billy tea
* Make an Aussie mask - koalas, kangaroos, crocodile, famous faces
…think, singers, sports stars, etc. Make lamingtons and give them to
your neighbours. Create a mural using Aussie icons and colours and
bushland found objects.
* Go to an Indigenous cultural event or gallery showing Australian
Aboriginal work. Find out more about the dreamtime and the stories
behind the work. Try some bush food (also known as bush tucker). Ask an
Aboriginal friend to tell you more. Think about and try to learn more
about the Indigenous culture. Check out your local library for all
things Australian.
* Plan a sports carnival and get the whole street or community involved.
Include friends from other cultures and show them what's good about
Australia. Summer is Aussie cricket time so organise an Australia Day
cricket match.
* Picnic it! Australians picnic on the beach, by the river, near the dam
or in the back yard - whatever the location, an Australia Day Picnic
puts everyone in the mood for sharing and celebrating. With Australia's
multicultural heritage there's no shortage of creative dishes to add to
the mix.
* Paint the Australian flag on your cheek. Decorate the school room or
your bedroom with things Australian. Send an Australia Day greeting to
friends around the corner, around Australia or overseas. Get everyone a
'coldie holder' with an Australian flag on it. Use it for your cold
drinks on Australia Day and every day.
Last but not the least make a list of the issues about living in
Australia that are of concern to you. Organise a panel of adults to
listen to your opinions and to comment on the issues. Remember January
26. Think of 26 good things about Australia. Put 26 candles on an
Australia Day cake. Think about what a lucky country Australia is.
