Australia Day
The Flag of Australia is widely used in celebration of the birth of Modern Australia. The flag of Australia was chosen in 1901 from entries in a worldwide design competition held following Federation.
Also called	Foundation Day, Anniversary Day, Survival Day, Day of Mourning (in 1938 & 1970)
Observed by	most Australians in the form of a public holiday
Type	National, Nationalist
Significance	Date of landing of First Fleet in Port Jackson in 1788
Date	26 January
Observances	Family meetings, parades, citizenship ceremonies, Order of Australia honours, Australian of the Year presented
Related to	Anzac Day, a celebration of Australia's "baptism of fire" as a nation during World War I, all other national holidays

Australia Day, celebrated annually on 26 January, is the official national day of Australia, commemorating the establishment of the first British settlement on the continent of Australia. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Australia topics. The term nationalism can refer to an Ideology, a sentiment, a form of Culture, or a Social movement that focuses on the Nation The First Fleet is the name given to the 11 Ships which sailed from Great Britain on 13 May 1787 to establish the first European colony in New South Wales. Port Jackson, containing Sydney Harbour, is the natural harbour of Sydney Australia Year 1788 ( MDCCLXXXVIII) was a Leap year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Leap Events 1340 - King Edward III of England is declared King of France. Order of Australia is an order of chivalry established by Elizabeth II, Queen of Australia on 14 February 1975 "for the purpose of according recognition The Australian of the Year Awards commenced in 1960. From nominations received Australia Day Committees in each state and territory select several finalists For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Australia topics. World War I (abbreviated WWI; also known as the First World War, the Great War, and the War to End All The National Day is a designated date on which celebrations mark the Nationhood of a Nation or non-sovereign Country. Events 1340 - King Edward III of England is declared King of France. The National Day is a designated date on which celebrations mark the Nationhood of a Nation or non-sovereign Country. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Australia topics. The date is that of the foundation of a British penal colony at Sydney Cove on Port Jackson, New South Wales in 1788, by Captain Arthur Phillip, who was to become the first Governor. A penal colony is a Settlement used to detain Prisoners and generally use them for Penal labour in an economically underdeveloped part of the state's Sydney Cove is a small bay on the southern shore of Port Jackson (commonly but incorrectly called Sydney Harbour) on the coast of the state of New South Port Jackson, containing Sydney Harbour, is the natural harbour of Sydney Australia Admiral Arthur Phillip RN (11 October 1738 &ndash 31 August 1814 was a British naval Admiraland colonial administrator ^[1] Australia Day is an official public holiday in all states and territories of Australia, and has also been known as Anniversary Day& Foundation Day. Lists of holidays The words holiday or vacation have related meanings in different English-speaking countries and continents but will usually refer to one of The Commonwealth of Australia is made up of 8 states and territories controlled under a federal system of government

On the eve of Australia Day each year, the Prime Minister announces the winner of the Australian of the Year award, presented to an Australian citizen who has shown a "significant contribution to the Australian community and nation", and is an "inspirational role model for the Australian community". The Prime Minister of Australia is the Head of government of the Commonwealth of Australia, holding office on commission from the Governor-General. The Australian of the Year Awards commenced in 1960. From nominations received Australia Day Committees in each state and territory select several finalists ^[2] Subcategories of the award include "Young" and "Senior Australian of the Year", and an award for "Australia's Local Hero".

Records of the celebration of Australia Day date back to 1808, and in 1818, Governor Lachlan Macquarie held the first official celebration of Australia Day. See also 1807 in Australia, other events of 1808, 1809 in Australia and the Timeline of Australian history. See also 1817 in Australia, other events of 1818, 1819 in Australia and the Timeline of Australian history. Major-General Lachlan Macquarie CB (31 January 1762 – 1 July 1824 Scottish Gaelic spelling Lachlan MacGuaire) British military officer ^[3] In 2004, an estimated 7. See also 2003 in Australia, other events of 2004, 2005 in Australia Incumbents See also 2004 Australian incumbents 5 million people attended Australia Day celebrations and functions across the country. ^[3]

History

Australia Day Picnic, 1908

On May 13, 1787, a fleet of 11 ships, which came to be known as the First Fleet, was sent by the British Admiralty from England to Australia, under the command of Captain Arthur Phillip, to establish a penal colony at Botany Bay on the coast of New South Wales, which had been explored by Captain James Cook in 1770. Events 1497 - Pope Alexander VI excommunicates Girolamo Savonarola. Year 1787 ( MDCCLXXXVII) was a Common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common The First Fleet is the name given to the 11 Ships which sailed from Great Britain on 13 May 1787 to establish the first European colony in New South Wales. The Admiralty was formerly the authority in the United Kingdom responsible for the command of the Royal Navy. Admiral Arthur Phillip RN (11 October 1738 &ndash 31 August 1814 was a British naval Admiraland colonial administrator A penal colony is a Settlement used to detain Prisoners and generally use them for Penal labour in an economically underdeveloped part of the state's Botany Bay is a bay in Sydney, New South Wales, a few kilometres south of the Sydney central business district. Captain James Cook FRS RN ( – 14 February 1779) was an English Explorer, Navigator and The settlement was seen as necessary because of the loss of the colonies in North America. Captain Phillip found Botany Bay unsuitable and with two ships proceeded a short distance northwards to Port Jackson, which he declared "the finest harbour in the world". Port Jackson, containing Sydney Harbour, is the natural harbour of Sydney Australia The site decided upon for the first settlement was at a location where there was a potable stream of water, and some level land, unlike much of the steep and rugged foreshore. By 26 January 1788, the fleet was at anchor in Sydney Cove, the male convicts were unshipped and the flag was raised in the name of King George III. Events 1340 - King Edward III of England is declared King of France. See also other events of 1788, 1789 in Australia and the Timeline of Australian history. George III (George William Frederick 4 June 1738 George III's long reign was marked by a series of military conflicts involving his kingdom much of the rest of Europe and places

1808, the day was celebrated as "First Landing" or "Foundation Day", the colony having survived for twenty years, despite the initial hardships, deprivation and starvation suffered by the First Fleet settlers. See also 1807 in Australia, other events of 1808, 1809 in Australia and the Timeline of Australian history. The First Fleet is the name given to the 11 Ships which sailed from Great Britain on 13 May 1787 to establish the first European colony in New South Wales. The celebrations began at sundown on 25 January, and lasted into the night, the chief toast of the occasion being Major George Johnston, who had had the honour of being the first officer ashore from the First Fleet, having been carried from the landing boat on the back of convict James Ruse, the colony's first successful farmer. George Bain Johnston (c 19 March 1764 – January 5 1823 was briefly Lieutenant-Governor of New South Wales, Australia after leading the rebellion later known as James Ruse (9 August 1759 &ndash 5 September 1837 was a pioneer of Agriculture in Australia being the first to successfully grow grain in the early colony On the following day, 26 January 1808, George Johnston, despite suffering the ill-effects of a fall from his gig on the way home to Annandale, led the officers of the New South Wales Corps in arresting Governor Bligh in what became known as the "Rum Rebellion". Annandale is a Suburb of Inner West Sydney in the state of New South Wales, Australia. The New South Wales Corps (aka The Rum Corps was formed in England in 1789 as permanent regiment to relieve the marines who had accompanied the First Fleet Vice-Admiral William Bligh FRS RN (9 September 1754 – 7 December 1817 was an officer of the British Royal Navy and a colonial administrator The Rum Rebellion, also known as the Rum Puncheon Rebellion of 1808 was the only successful armed takeover of government in Australia's recorded history

Sydney Opera House on Australia Day 2008

On 26 January In 1818, the 30th anniversary, Governor Lachlan Macquarie had a 30-gun salute at Dawes Point and gave government workers a holiday^[4] - a tradition that was soon followed by banks and other public offices. Events 1340 - King Edward III of England is declared King of France. See also 1817 in Australia, other events of 1818, 1819 in Australia and the Timeline of Australian history. Major-General Lachlan Macquarie CB (31 January 1762 – 1 July 1824 Scottish Gaelic spelling Lachlan MacGuaire) British military officer Dawes Point is an inner-city Suburb of Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia.

In 1888 all colonial capitals except Adelaide celebrated 'Anniversary Day' and by 1935 all states of Australia were celebrating 26 January as Australia Day (although it was still known as Anniversary Day in New South Wales). See also 1887 in Australia, other events of 1888, 1889 in Australia and the Timeline of Australian history. Adelaide is the capital and most populous city of the Australian state of South Australia, and is the fifth largest city in Australia with a See also 1934 in Australia, other events of 1935, 1936 in Australia and the Timeline of Australian history. Events 1340 - King Edward III of England is declared King of France.

The 1938 sesquicentenary (150th anniversary) of British settlement in Australia was widely celebrated. See also 1937 in Australia, other events of 1938, 1939 in Australia and the Timeline of Australian history. Preparations began in 1936 with the formation of a Celebrations Council. In that year, New South Wales was the only state to abandon the traditional long weekend, and the annual Anniversary Day public holiday was held on the actual anniversary day - Wednesday 26 January. ^[5]

In 1946 the Commonwealth and state governments agreed to unify the celebrations on 26 January as 'Australia Day', although the public holiday was instead taken on the Monday closest to the actual anniversary. See also 1945 in Australia, other events of 1946, 1947 in Australia and the Timeline of Australian history. Events 1340 - King Edward III of England is declared King of France. ^[1]

Since 1994 all states and territories have celebrated Australia Day on 26 January. See also 1993 in Australia, other events of 1994, 1995 in Australia ---- ^[1] If Australia Day occurs on a weekend, however, a public holiday is observed on the following Monday.

Australia Day 1988

The celebration of 200 years since the arrival of the First Fleet was organised on a large scale, with many significant events taking part in all major cities, but particularly in Sydney. The First Fleet is the name given to the 11 Ships which sailed from Great Britain on 13 May 1787 to establish the first European colony in New South Wales. The events included street parties, concerts, including performances on the steps and forecourt of the Sydney Opera House and at many other public venues, art and literary competitions, historic re-enactments, and the opening of the Powerhouse Museum at its new location. The Sydney Opera House is located in Sydney New South Wales, Australia The Powerhouse Museum is the major branch of the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences in Sydney, the other being the historic Sydney Observatory. A fleet of eleven sailing ships of similar size to those of the First Fleet anchored in Farm Cove, and there was a re-enactment of the arrival of the first European settlers. The First Fleet is the name given to the 11 Ships which sailed from Great Britain on 13 May 1787 to establish the first European colony in New South Wales.

One of the biggest aspects of the celebration was the invitation to other nations to take part in a yacht race, and a parade of sail. The Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race is an annual event, commencing in Sydney Harbour on Boxing Day, with competing yachts sailing down the coast to the southernmost state capital of Hobart in Tasmania. For the current edition of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race see 2007 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. Boxing Day is a public holiday in the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand and Australia, as well as many other members of the Commonwealth Hobart is the state capital and most populous city of the Australian island state of Tasmania. Tasmania is an Australian island and state of the same name It is located south of the eastern side of the Continent, being separated from it by Bass However, the 1987 Boxing Day start was cancelled, the race commencing in Hobart in mid January, and sailing north, rather than south, in order to finish in Sydney. The invitation attracted not only yachts but tall ships from all over the world, many of which assembled first at Fremantle, Western Australia. Fremantle (commonly known as Freo is a Port City in Western Australia, located southwest of Perth, the state capital at the mouth of Western Australia is a state occupying the entire western third of the Australian continent. The ships included the "Juan Sebastian d'Elcano", from Spain, the "Eagle" from the United States, the "Gorch Foch" from Germany, the "Friendship" from Poland, the "Nipon Maru" from Japan, the "Varuna" from India, the United Kingdom's gift to Australia, the sail-traing vessel, "Young Endeavour", and many others. To the cheers of watchers on the bridge in Darling Harbour, on the evening of 21 January, the "Young Endeavour" was the first of her class to finish the Hobart to Sydney race. On the afternoon of Australia Day, there was a parade of vessels on Sydney Harbour, which included all the tall ships, Sydney's historic steamships, and thousands of smaller craft of every description.

The Aboriginal response

In January 1988, the indigenous people of Australia made a concerted effort to promote an awareness among other Australians of their presence, their perceived needs, and their desire that there should be communication, reconciliation and co-operation over the matter of land rights. To this purpose, during January, they set up a highly-visible Tent Embassy at a shoreside location at a point called Mrs Macquarie's Chair adjacent to the Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens. The Aboriginal Tent Embassy is a Controversial semi-permanent assemblage claiming to represent the political rights of Australian Aborigines The Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney Australia are the largest of three major botanical gardens open to the public in Sydney along with the Mount Annan Botanic Garden The embassy, consisting of several large marquees and smaller tents, was manned by a group of Aboriginal people from Eveleigh Street, Redfern, and was organised with the co-operation of the local council's department of parks and gardens. It became a gathering place for Aboriginal people from all over Sydney. One of the aims of the embassy was to be seen by the many thousands of Sydneysiders who did not know, and rarely even saw, any Aboriginal people. Among the outspoken supporters of the Aboriginal people, and a visitor to the tent embassy, was the Anglican Dean of Sydney, Lance Shilton.

As part of the consolidation of the Aboriginal people, many people from remote parts of Australia, from the far north, and from the Central Desert, travelled to Sydney, where they were welcomed at the embassy, and accommodated by the Aboriginal community at La Perouse. La Perouse is a Suburb in south-eastern Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. There was a tremendous elation among the local community, many of whom felt detached from their roots, because the "initiated elders" had come among them. One of the elders whose presence was particularly anticipated was the land rights activist Vincent Lingiari, but unfortunately, he died on route to Sydney, on 21 January. Vincent Lingiari, AM (1908&ndash 21 January 1988) was an Aboriginal rights activist who was created a Member of the Order of Australia His death was commemorated by the ringing of the bells at the Sydney church of St. Stephen's, Newtown. Newtown may refer to Places Australia Newtown New South Wales Newtown Queensland Newtown Queensland

A great gathering, with a variety of speakers, was organised in Hyde Park, Sydney, on the afternoon of Australia Day. Hyde Park is a large park in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. The entire day passed peacefully, with only a few isolated incidents and very few arrests.

Celebrations

Australia Day banner South Bank Parklands, Brisbane, Queensland

A typical country Citizenship Ceremony

Lotterywest Skyworks. South Bank Parklands is a parkland which was opened to the public on 20 June, 1992. Brisbane ( is the state capital of Queensland. Brisbane is the third most populous city in Australia and the most populous city of Queensland Queensland is a state of Australia, occupying the north-eastern corner of the mainland continent Perth's Australia Day celebration attracted 500,000 people in 2006. Perth is the capital and largest city of the Australian state of Western Australia.

Australia Day is a national day and public holiday. The National Day is a designated date on which celebrations mark the Nationhood of a Nation or non-sovereign Country. Lists of holidays The words holiday or vacation have related meanings in different English-speaking countries and continents but will usually refer to one of For some years the holiday was held on the closest Monday, to provide a long weekend. The national celebrations now occur every January 26th. The public holiday occurs on January 26th if it is a weekday, otherwise it occurs on the following Monday.

The National Australia Day Council (NADC) is the coordinating body for the Australian of the Year Awards and Australia Day celebrations across the nation. The coordinating body for the Australian of the Year Awards and Australia Day celebrations across the nation is the National Australia Day Council (NADC The NADC heads a network of state and territory Australia Day affiliate organisations and local Australia Day committees.

Australia Day is marked by civic celebrations around the country, including the Order of Australia and Australian of the Year awards for outstanding achievement. Order of Australia is an order of chivalry established by Elizabeth II, Queen of Australia on 14 February 1975 "for the purpose of according recognition The Australian of the Year Awards commenced in 1960. From nominations received Australia Day Committees in each state and territory select several finalists Air Force aerial displays are held in some capital cities. In Sydney the ferry race and tall ships race has become tradition, along with a surfing race across the harbour. Sydney (ˈsɪdniː is the most populous city in Australia, with a Metropolitan area population of approximately 4

Citizenship ceremonies are also held on Australia Day. The Australia Day Achievement Medallion is awarded to citizens based on excellence in both government and non-government organisations. Customarily, the Prime Minister will make an address to the nation. The Prime Minister of Australia is the Head of government of the Commonwealth of Australia, holding office on commission from the Governor-General.

Fireworks celebrations are held in many towns and cities around the country. The Perth Lotterywest Skyworks display is billed as the largest Australia Day celebration in the country, with more than a third of the city's population (around 500,000 estimated for the 2006 Skyworks) lining the river foreshore for the display. Perth is the capital and largest city of the Australian state of Western Australia.

The Australian music scene enjoys a significant event on Australia Day - the Triple J Hottest 100. The music of Australia ranges across a broad spectrum of styles and genres Triple J is a nationally-networked government-funded Australian radio station (a division of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation) mainly aimed The Triple J Hottest 100 is an annual music poll based on the votes of national Australian youth radio station Triple J listeners in order to determine their favourite The Sydney leg of the Big Day Out music festival has also traditionally occurred on Australia Day. The Big Day Out ( BDO) is an annual Music festival that tours Australia and New Zealand which originated in Sydney in 1992 In 2007 the event was held on 25 January due to the flag ban controversy at the event. Events 41 - After a night of negotiation Claudius is accepted as Roman Emperor by the Senate The Big Day Out ( BDO) is an annual Music festival that tours Australia and New Zealand which originated in Sydney in 1992 There is also often a one day cricket match such as the 2006 Australia Day match in Adelaide. The Commonwealth Bank Series, the current naming rights sponsor of the Australian Tri-Series refers to the international Cricket tournament held since 1979 between In Canberra the Australia Day Live Concert takes place where the Australian of the Year is announced. Australia Day Live is a Concert on the grounds of Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, hosted each year on January 25.

Suggested changes to the date

Some have suggested making Anzac Day, 25 April, Australia's national day. Events 1607 - Eighty Years' War: The Dutch fleet destroys the anchored Spanish fleet at Gibraltar. However, many war veterans believe that Anzac Day is their day, and it is also a public holiday in New Zealand, Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa and Tonga. New Zealand is an Island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses (the North Island and the South Island The Cook Islands ( Cook Islands Māori: Kūki 'Āirani) are a self-governing parliamentary democracy in free association with New Zealand. Niue (niːˈʔuːeɪ/ /ˈnjuːeɪ in English is an Island nation located in the South Pacific Ocean. Samoa, officially the Independent State of Samoa, is a country governing the western part of the Samoan Islands Archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean The Kingdom of Tonga is an Archipelago in the south Pacific Ocean comprising 169 islands 36 of them inhabited stretching over a distance of about 800 kilometres (500 miles

Some have suggested changing to 1 January, commemorating the date in 1901 when Australia's six colonies federated into one nation. New Year See also New Year The Ancient Romans began their consular year on January 1st since 153 BC The federation of Australia was the process by which the six separate British self-governing colonies of New South Wales, Queensland, South However, 1 January is already a public holiday and is in the middle of the Christmas holiday season.

The date 9 May is also sometimes suggested, being not only the date on which the first Federal Parliament was opened in Melbourne in 1901, but also the date of the opening of the Provisional Parliament House in Canberra in 1927, and the date of the opening of the New Parliament House in 1988. Events 1457 BC - Battle of Megiddo (15th century BC between Thutmose III and a large Canaanite coalition under the King of Melbourne ( is the second most populous city in Australia, with a Metropolitan area population of approximately 3 Year 1901 ( MCMI) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common year starting Old Parliament House, formerly known as the Provisional Parliament House, was the seat of the Parliament of Australia from 1927 to 1988 Canberra ( is the capital city of Australia With a population of over 340000 it is Australia's largest inland City. Year 1927 ( MCMXXVII) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Parliament House is the meeting place of the Parliament of Australia. Year 1988 ( MCMLXXXVIII) was a Leap year starting on Friday (link displays 1988 Gregorian calendar)

Many supporters of the continued use of Australia Day as Australia's national day point out that 26 January commemorates an actual historical event, similar to Anzac Day, Bastille Day in France, Canada Day in Canada, Independence Day in the United States, and Republic Day in India. Bastille Day is the French national holiday, celebrated on 14 July each year. This article is about the country For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic France topics. Canada Day (Fête du Canada formerly Dominion Day, is Canada 's national day, a federal statutory holiday, celebrating the anniversary of the Country to "Dominion of Canada" or "Canadian Federation" or anything else please read the Talk Page In the United States, Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July (or the Fourth) is a Federal holiday commemorating the adoption The United States of America —commonly referred to as the Republic Day is the name of a Public holiday in several countries to commemorate the day when they first became Republics January 9th in Republika

A recent advertising campaign for Australian Lamb, featuring Sam Kekovich, promoted the extension of Australia Day to Australia Week. "Slammin'" Sam Kekovich (born 11 March 1950 son of a Myrtleford tobacco farmer and the younger brother of Carlton full-forward Brian Kekovich

Criticism and alternative celebrations

To some Aboriginal Australians and sympathisers, the idea of celebrating the anniversary of the arrival of the British has been seen as incongruous with the adverse effects British settlement had on Australia's indigenous people. This is an article about a class of people as identified and defined within Australian law The sesquicentenary celebrations in 1938 were accompanied by an Aboriginal Day of Mourning. The Day of Mourning was a day of protest held by Aboriginal Australians on 26 January 1938, the sesquicentenary of British Colonisation A large gathering of Aboriginal people in Sydney in 1988 led an "Invasion Day" commemoration marking the loss of indigenous culture. ^[6] The anniversary is also known as "Survival Day" and marked by events such as the Survival Day concert first held in Sydney in 1992, celebrating the fact that the indigenous people and culture have not been completely wiped out. ^[7]

In response, official celebrations have tried to include indigenous people, holding ceremonies such as the Woggan-ma-gule ceremony honouring the past and celebrating the present in Sydney in 2006, involving the New South Wales Governor and Indigenous Australians. Marie Roslyn Lady Shehadie, AC, CVO, DStJ (born 1930 known as Marie Bashir, is the current Governor of New South Wales and

References

External links

History

• Wilson's Almanac on Australia Day

Official sites

• National Australia Day Council
• Australia Day Council, New South Wales
• Australia Day Council, Australian Capital Territory
• Australia Day Committee, Victoria
• Australia Day, Queensland
• Australia Day Council, South Australia
• Australia Day Council, Western Australia
• Australia Day Council, Tasmania
• Australia Day Council, Northern Territory

Critical

• The relevancy of Australia Day by Dr Joe Toscano

Commentary

• Tony Stephens (2006). Country gets wrapped up in the flag. Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved on 2006-01-27. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 98 - Trajan becomes Roman Emperor after the death of Nerva.