Australia Day

Read this long but interesting text. Come on! It's NOT difficult! You can do it.

Australians love a good party and their biggest party is Australia Day. It's on January 26 and it's a national public holiday. Australia Day celebrates the settlement of Australia by White Europeans.

Captain James Cook was the first European to explore the east coast in 1770. On his return to England, he recommended it as a good place to settle. His recommendation was considered, and the English decided to establish a penal colony in Australia. On January 26, 1788 Captain Arthur Phillip commander of the First Fleet sailed his 11 ships full of convicts into what is now  Sydney Harbour. He ordered the Union Jack flag raised on the beach to signify British occupation.

Not without controversy, this date is now a national holiday which is celebrated with fervent nationalisitic pride.

For many indigenous Australians January 26 is not a day of celebration. Many see it as a sad day as it marks the day of invasion by white settlers. Known variously as Sovereignty Day, Survival Day and Invasion Day among aboriginal communities, January 26 is when the Yabun Festival is held. It is  one of the most important Indigenous music events in the country.

Do you understand? Can you answer these two questions?
1. Why do most Australians celebrate Australia Day?
2. Why do some other NOT celebrate it?

What to do on Australia Day

Look at some of the many activities you can do on Australia Day.

1. Australia Day Regatta.
Bring a picnic & find a spot on the harbour foreshore. The Australia Day Regatta takes place in the afternoon on the eastern end of the harbour. Find a spot in a harbourside park or on one of the many beaches and enjoy a picnic while watching the sailing.

2. Community breakfast.
In almost every neighbourhood in every corner of the nation, on January 26 there is a community breakfast. This is typically held in an open air space and the common food is barbecued sausages on a sandwich or bread roll with tea or coffee.

3. Australia Day Barbecue.
Australia Day is for barbecuing. OK, yes, you can find a barbecue going any other day of the year as well. But Australia Day probably sees more barbecues fired up, collectively, than any other day of the year. It is the day to meet at a mate's place with some beers and watch the cricket.

4. The Havaiana's Australia Day Thong Challenge.

 

It's a race to the finish line on huge inflatable green and gold thongs. It's bigger and better than ever. Now,  the thong challenge has become an iconic event on Australia Day.

5. Cockroach Races In Brisbane .        

Brisbane likes to be a bit different to the rest of the country. If you find yourself in Brisbane on January 26 you could partake in one of the many unique competitive events held there each year such as the Annual Cockroach Races

 

6. AAMI Ferrython

 

 

One of the best places to be at 11am on Australia Day is down on The Sydney Harbour for the AAMI Ferrython. A perfect way to enjoy this free event is with a picnic basket on the grass in one of Sydney's many harbourside parks as you watch the four Sydney ferries, all decorated and dressed for the occasion.


Imagine you are in Australia. What do you do on Australia Day?
Choose JUST ONE activity. Vote for it. Let's see what you like best!