Having a barbecue, relaxing by the beach, playing a game of cricket, eating damper and Vegemite or just relaxing with family and friends are a few of the ways Australians will choose to spend their Australia Day.
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Held on January 26, and recognised with a public holiday, many will enjoy the day off to join in the celebrations.
Traditionally, Australia Day commemorates the 1788 arrival of the First Fleet of British Ships at Port Jackson, NSW and the raising of the flag of Great Britain at Sydney Cove by Governor Arthur Phillip.
Because it marks the day of colonisation, Indigenous Australians often feel it is insensitive to celebrate the day.
However, in recent years, efforts have been made to include all Australians, and in 2013, the Australian flag and Aboriginal flag were raised together on the Sydney Harbour Bridge for the first time on Australia Day.
“Australia Day is a time to come together and recognise our good fortune as Australians. It has the ability to unite us; to recognise our cultural diversity; and encourage us to consider our future,” the official Australia Day website states.
Australia Day is a time to celebrate what is great about Australia and being Australian. Award ceremonies also recognise those Aussies who have achieved excellence and contributed to creating a better country.
There are a number of national events taking place on the day and many local councils will have their own festivities happening from sporting events, award and citizenship ceremonies to breakfasts by the beach, parades, entertainment and firework displays.
Get involved this Australia Day by attending one of your local activities or host your own event and get together with friends, family, neighbours or work colleagues. Some tips for a great event:
DECORATE: With the Australian and/or Aboriginal flag, or with an Australiana theme - think Aussie animals, gum trees and national icons.
DRESS UP: Wear stubbies and thongs with a bushman style cork hat or akubra, an Australian flag t-shirt or swimsuit or paint your face in green and gold.
FOOD: Serve meat pies, Vegemite sandwiches, damper, pavlova, lamingtons and cook up some snags or lamb on the barbie.
ACTIVITIES: Sing the national anthem and Waltzing Matilda or visit australiaday.com.au to take the Aussie Slang Challenge, play Australian trivia online and find activities for kids.
