Australia Day is the official national day of Australia, celebrated annually on January 26th.
The date marks the arrival of the First Fleet of British ships at Port Jackson, New South Wales in 1788, and the raising of the Union Flag by Governor Arthur Phillip at Sydney Cove. In present-day Australia, celebrations reflect the diverse society and landscape of the nation and are marked by community and family events, reflections on Australian history, official community awards, and citizenship ceremonies welcoming new members of the Australian community.
The Evolution of Australia Day
The meaning and significance of Australia Day have evolved and been contested over time. Not all states historically celebrated the same date as their date of historical significance. Records of celebrations on January 26th date back to 1808, with the first official celebration of the formation of New South Wales held in 1818. It was not until 1935 that all Australian states and territories adopted use of the term "Australia Day" to mark the date, and not until 1994 that January 26th was consistently marked by a public holiday on that day by all states and territories.
Historically, the date was also variously named Anniversary Day, Foundation Day, and ANA Day. In contemporary Australia, the holiday is marked by the presentation of the Australian of the Year Awards on Australia Day Eve, announcement of the Australia Day Honours list, and addresses from the Governor-General and Prime Minister. It is an official public holiday in every state and territory. With community festivals, concerts, and citizenship ceremonies, the day is celebrated in large and small communities and cities around the nation.
Controversy Surrounding Australia Day
Despite its popularity as a national holiday, Australia Day has also been a source of controversy. Since at least 1938, the date has been marked by some Indigenous Australians and supporters as a day of mourning for what they see as the invasion of their land by the British and the start of colonization. Protests against its celebration as a national holiday have led to calls for the date to be changed or for the holiday to be abolished entirely.
Support for changing the date is a minority position; however, polls indicate some support for this idea, particularly among Australians under age 30. Nearly half (49%) believed Australia Day should not be on a day that is offensive to Indigenous people. Over the years, suggested alternatives have included May 27th (the date in 1967 when a referendum was held to include Indigenous Australians in the census), or another significant date in Australian history.
Celebrating Australia Day Respectfully
Despite its complex history and ongoing controversy, Australia Day remains an important national holiday for many Australians. It is a day to celebrate all that is great about Australia: its land, sense of fair go, lifestyle, democracy, freedoms, and people. It is also an opportunity to acknowledge past wrongs and show respect for Indigenous Australians' survival, resilience, and enduring culture.
On Australia Day, we can reflect on what it means to be Australian while also acknowledging our history. We can celebrate contemporary Australia while respecting those who may find this day painful. By doing so, we can come together as a nation to reflect on our past while looking forward to a brighter future.