Australia Day 2013

Australia Day, 26 January, is the anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet of 11 convict ships from Great Britain, and the raising of the Union Jack at Sydney Cove by its commander Captain Arthur Phillip, in 1788
 
Figure 1The Founding of Australia, Jan. 26th 1788, by Capt. Arthur Phillip R.N. Sydney Cove. Original oil sketch [1937] by Algernon Talmadge R.A. ML 1222*

Though 26 January marks this specific event, today Australia Day celebrations reflect contemporary Australia: our diverse society and landscape, our remarkable achievements and our bright future. It also is an opportunity to reflect on our nation's history, and to consider how we can make Australia an even better place in future.

On Australia Day, over half of the nation’s population of 21 million attend either an organized community event, or get together with family and friends with the intention of celebrating our national day. Many more spend the public holiday relaxing with family and friends.
Yet Australia Day is much more than barbeques and fireworks. It is more than another public holiday. It is more than the pride and excitement of new citizens who call themselves Australian for the first time on 26 January after being conferred citizenship.
At its core, Australia Day is a day driven by communities, and the celebrations held in each town, suburb or city – unified by the celebration of what’s great about Australia and being Australian – are the foundation of its ongoing success.”**
**http://www.australia-day.com/http://www.australia-day.com/
*http://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/discover_collections/history_nation/terra_australis/firstfleet.html
http://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/discover_collections/history_nation/terra_australis/firstfleet.html

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