Australia Day : January 26
Just like every other country, Australia celebrates its national day once a year. Australia Day is celebrated annually on January 26. A squadron of British ships arrived at Port Jackson, New South Wales, on this day in 1788. Modern Australia’s rich cultural heritage is celebrated in community and family gatherings throughout the year. Australia’s new citizens are welcomed into the society and formal community awards are presented at ceremonies conducted all around the country.
Nonetheless, numerous Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities have a distinct perspective on the 26th of January. Some view this as an opportunity to recognize the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities for their vital roles in shaping modern Australia and for having the longest continuously practiced culture in human history. However, this day is not universally honored since some believe it marks the beginning of an unlawful invasion that has had lasting negative repercussions on our country’s Aboriginal population.
We, the undersigned, write in support of Reconciliation Western Australia’s call to commemorate the special place of the Australian First People on January 26. We ask that those celebrating the day do so with sensitivity to the pain of others and in a spirit of unity among all Australians, no matter their place of origin or when they arrived in the country. With over a third of the population having been born overseas, it’s more important than ever that we all familiarize ourselves with Australia’s fascinating past and vibrant culture. Education may help us learn from our errors and move on more wisely.
Focusing on the bright side this Australia Day 2022 is a great way to honor the perseverance of the Australian people and the progress we can accomplish as a nation.
What are some common forms of celebration among the general public?
Australia Day is celebrated by many in the open air during the “down under” summer. There are several large-scale public events open to the public, including music festivals, sports competitions, fireworks displays, and community award ceremonies. Participating in or going to one of these large parties is one way to celebrate, as is organizing a smaller party with close friends and family members, complete with a BBQ or picnic.
On this special day, many Aussies fly their flag high. You may also fly the Aboriginal Flag or the Torres Strait Islander Flag.
The Perth Skyworks is the day’s most anticipated event. Fireworks over the Swan River in Perth draw half a million people every year. Fireworks have been launched from moving boats, bridges, and even skyscrapers, resulting in a spectacular fireworks show.
Australia’s Biggest-Ever Historical Festival
On January 26, 1788, the British First Fleet headed by Captain Arthur Phillip arrived at Sydney Cove, Australia, thereby claiming the continent for the British Empire. Most of the members of the First Fleet were there because they had been convicted of crimes and were being transferred to a prison colony in Australia.
It was immediately celebrated when the First Fleet arrived on the 26th. In its first century, the holiday was mostly celebrated by those living in New South Wales. The other colonies did the same thing, celebrating their own independence days.
To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the First Fleet’s landing, Anniversary Day was celebrated in every colonial city except Adelaide that year (1888). Anniversary Day was officially recognized by all 50 states by 1935. In 1946, the holiday’s name was changed to Australia Day to better reflect the country’s demographics.
Inconsequential Facts About Australia Day Of Australia’s total population of 21 million, around 11 million join in the celebrations. During 1988’s Bicentennial Celebration (200 years), more than 2.5 million people visited Sydney.
The classic Ferry Race and the more contemporary Tall Ships Race take place in Sydney Harbor on this day. Citizenship ceremonies take up most of the day. On this day in 2011, over 13,000 people became naturalized citizens.
Indigenous Australians have always had negative views of Western culture. A small but vocal minority also favors moving the holiday to a different day of the year.
Seven hundred prisoners made up the bulk of the First Fleet’s passenger count of 1,000.
Since 1960, Australia has recognized its most outstanding citizen with the Australian of the Year award on this day. A few of the previous winners include the actors Geoffrey Rush and Steve Waugh, as well as the cricketer Arthur Boyd (artist).
