Happy Australia Day!

[icyfroth]

All very low-key this year, and who knows if it will be celebrated at all in the years ahead, the way efforts are being ramped up to bring it down.

Still, it's a typical blazing hot blue sky like nowhere else in the world, the crickets are chirping and someone even had their  mowers going this morning.

The radio is playing traditionally Aussie songs, like "True Blue" by John Williamson, and "I still call Australia Home" , by Peter Allan. "I Come From a Land Down Under", by Men at Work.

My favourite has always been "I am Australian", by the Seekers.

[ambercat16]

A history lesson I found on Facebook.......

[colic2bullsgirlore]

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@the_bob_delusion wrote:

Doesn't bother me what day they have the public holiday. As long as it shuts these people up. 
Was in the city where they had the Invasion day protest today. Was a sea of white people? explain that to me???

I totally understand the black aborigines affected by discrimination and racism and not given enough opportunities but why are the white aborigines complaining of the same thing??? I don't get it. 

If anything, it's the Middle Eastern and the Chinese Asian that are discriminate more than the aborigines. 

https://www.creativespirits.info/aboriginalculture/people/aboriginal-identity-who-is-aboriginal

Aboriginal Identity: Who is 'Aboriginal'?

People who identify themselves as 'Aboriginal' range from dark-skinned, broad-nosed to blonde-haired, blue-eyed people. Aboriginal people define Aboriginality not by skin colour but by relationships. Light-skinned Aboriginal people often face challenges on their Aboriginal identity because of stereotyping.

My skin is whiter than Bruce Ruxton's undies.... but I identify as a proud potatoceltic octoroon... 

I can't work out whether I was part of the problem or the recipe for a solution

[springyzone]

I don't really care that much what date we have a national day on but I think in all fairness we should be allowed to have one.

As for 26th Jan, I think too many people get caught up in ideas that it is 'invasion day'.

There's a bit more of a history to it than that.

Some people might be interested in this. I have copied it off a government website:

Before 1949, there was no legal concept of Australian citizenship. Every Australian was a British subject, including immigrants who arrived and became naturalised.

On 26 January 1949, the Nationality and Citizenship Act 1948 introduced Australian citizenship.

Most Australians became Australian citizens at this point, although they were still British subjects. After 1949, immigrants could apply for ‘citizenship by naturalisation’.

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Australian citizens still had to declare their nationality as British. In 1984, the law was changed and Australian citizens were no longer British subjects.

So we could just as well argue that on 26th Jan, we are celebrating the introduction of Australian citizenship.

There's also a bit of interesting back history to Australia Day.

Have a look at this photo below.

Here's some of the story associated with it.

Did you know that the "first" Australia Day was held in July 1915 as a fundraiser for World War I?

Mrs Ellie Kirke, whose four sons were serving in the Australian Imperial Force, wrote to a Sydney newspaper in January 1915, suggesting to the Premier that "a day be set apart for the benefit of the wounded, and that it should be called Australia Day."

At the time, January 26 was known as Foundation Day.

Her call was taken up with great enthusiasm, as the gloom of Gallipoli was being channelled into a spirit of enlistment, and public giving.

Newspapers throughout the country challenged their communities to contribute funds for the injured and wounded, as well as troops overseas.

"The Scone Advocate" reported in early July 1915:
"Thousands of our brave Australian boys are sleeping their long sleep in a hostile land,and thousands more will come back to mother, wife, sister or sweetheart maimed for life. They have done their duty, are we doing ours? £2000 wanted from this district before 30tg. Will we get it? Yes, of course we will!".

So it was Foundation Day and only became Australia Day for a different purpose, a fund raiser. I can't help thinking it is a pity the fund raiser aspect doesn't still apply. How great would it be if on Australia Day (whatever day it was held on) was associated with raising funds for some cause? Maybe education or scholarships for students who show promise or something like that.

[katistrophik]

So it was Foundation Day and only became Australia Day for a different purpose, a fund raiser. I can't help thinking it is a pity the fund raiser aspect doesn't still apply. How great would it be if on Australia Day (whatever day it was held on) was associated with raising funds for some cause? Maybe education or scholarships for students who show promise or something like that.

I had no idea springy, that is so intereesting

[the_great_she_elephant]

I've never really understod why any country needs a National Day anyway. i mean, if you know in your own heart  that your country is so great   why do you need a special day of  flag waving and  speechifying  to announce the fact  to the rest of the world.. 

[katistrophik]

Not really sure, Waitangi Day in NZ, Independence Day in the USA, quiite sure there are more.....

Maybe a new name, same date and a new flag

Australian's Day

[not_for_sale2025]

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@the_great_she_elephant wrote:

I've never really understod why any country needs a National Day anyway. i mean, if you know in your own heart  that your country is so great   why do you need a special day of  flag waving and  speechifying  to announce the fact  to the rest of the world.. 

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I certainly do not celebrate Australia Day for the eyes of the world. I celebrate the day to share my national pride with other Australians. The problem at the moment is the 'pride' bit, but each to their own I say.

[domino-710]

I think ' Columbus Day ' more like - Australia day - celebrating the landing of Columbus.

Independence Day - more getting rid of the Brits. lol

[the_great_she_elephant]

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@not_for_sale2025 wrote:

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@the_great_she_elephant wrote:

I've never really understod why any country needs a National Day anyway. i mean, if you know in your own heart  that your country is so great   why do you need a special day of  flag waving and  speechifying  to announce the fact  to the rest of the world.. 

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I certainly do not celebrate Australia Day for the eyes of the world. I celebrate the day to share my national pride with other Australians. The problem at the moment is the 'pride' bit, but each to their own I say.

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So maybe it's themselves  people are trying  to convince.

[lyhargr_0]

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@the_great_she_elephant wrote:

I've never really understod why any country needs a National Day anyway. i mean, if you know in your own heart  that your country is so great   why do you need a special day of  flag waving and  speechifying  to announce the fact  to the rest of the world.. 

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But. but. but can we still have a holiday?????