Friday 25 January 2008

Australia Day - What is Australia Day?

Australia Day - What is Australia Day?australian flag - photo of an australian flag waving in the breeze on a flag poleAustralia Day is the official national day of Australia, which commemorates the establishment of a settlement and penal colony at Port Jackson by Captain Arthur Phillip, who later became the first Governor. Australia Day is celebrated on 26 January annually, and has been declared as an official public holiday in all states and territories of Australia. Known also as Anniversary Day or Foundation Day, Australia Day is widely considered to be an important day in the history of Australia.

On Australia Day, the winner of the Australian of the Year award is announced by the Prime Minister; the award is given to any Australian citizen who has shown a "significant contribution to the Australian community and nation", and is an "inspirational role model for the Australian community". Subcategories of the award include "Young" and "Senior Australian of the Year", and an award for the "Australian Local Hero".

Recorded celebrations date back to 1808, and in 1818, Governor Lachlan Macquarie held the first official celebration of Australia Day. In 2004, an estimated 7.5 million people attended Australia Day celebrations and functions across the country.

Source: Wikipedia

10 comments:

  1. Hi Tom,

    Thanks, I've enjoyed Australia day very much. I hope you have a nice weekend, and enjoy whatever food you eat over there! :)

    Cheers,

    David

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  2. Cool - I didn't know any of that!
    Thanks a lot :)!

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  3. Hi nicole,

    No worries. I'm glad to be able to share some of my country's culture with you. :)

    Cheers,

    David Webb: Nature Photographer

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  4. What a beautiful flag photo!!!

    Happy belated Australia Day :D

    Hugs, JJ

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  5. Hi JJ,

    I got this flag photo on my recent holiday to Sydney, in preparation for World Youth Day 2008. I thought it looked great there in front of the Australian gum trees. I'm glad you like it!

    Cheers,

    David Webb: Photographer

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  6. Happy Australia day tooo David and have a nice and lovely day.

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  7. Hi digitalshuttermania,

    Thanks, and have a great day too. I'll be eating damper (Australian bush bread) and maybe a few stubbies (beer!) :)

    Cheers,

    David

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  8. Hi David

    lov the page it's great:)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hi Anonymous,

    Thanks for leaving your feedback. It's always appreciated.

    Hope you have a great day,

    David

    ReplyDelete

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