Australia Day is the official national day of Australia and is celebrated annually on 26 January. It marks the anniversary of the 1788 arrival of the First Fleet of British ships at Port Jackson, New South Wales, and the raising of the Flag of Great Britain at Sydney Cove by Governor Arthur Phillip.
Many Australians like to enjoy the public holiday and join in community celebrations of Australia Day or gather with family and friends for a barbecue breakfast, some lamingtons or a lamb roast dinner. We do so because we are proud of the country we live in and all that has been achieved.
For many Australians too, this is the day that they officially become Australian citizens in ceremonies across the country. Each subsequent year provides an opportunity to celebrate that choice.
We should however remember that Australia Day is not universally accepted as a joyous occasion. Aboriginal people call it 'Invasion Day', 'Day of Mourning', 'Survival Day' or, since 2006, 'Aboriginal Sovereignty Day'. The latter name reflects that all Aboriginal nations are sovereign and should be united in the continuous fight for their rights.
"The 26 January, a date whose only significance is to mark the coming to Australia of the white people in 1788. It's not a date that is particularly pleasing for Aborigines," said Aboriginal activist Michael Mansell when commenting on why he had turned down and Australia Day award. "The British were armed to the teeth and from the moment they stepped foot on our country, the slaughter and dispossession of Aborigines began."
While there is much to be grateful for if you are celebrating on Australia Day, it is also a good time to reflect on Australia's history and to respect that this is a day of sadness for many. We should remember that Aboriginal history is more than 65,000 years of caring for this great land we live in. You might like to show your respect by including in your celebrations an Acknowledgement of Country, time for silence and reflection and finding out more about your own local Aboriginal people.
Some Australians choose to celebrate all that we have achieved and all that we are proud of on a different date and some enlightened employers now offer a choice of another day off in lieu of 26 January.
If you would like to do something to celebrate being Australian with a gathering of family and friends on a day other than 26 January, why not talk to one of our celebrants about how you could make the day a unique celebration.