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
http://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/discover_collections/history_nation/terra_australis/firstfleet.html
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