January 26, 2003

Australia Day - January 26

Today is Australia Day. It celebrates the day that Captain Arthur Phillip raised the British flag on his arrival into Farm Cove to signal the birth of a new colony. It is also a time when we take a look at ourselves as a nation and as a bunch of people, and celebrate those things that make us special and different. There are always lots of events around the country, mostly fun activities, usually outdoors and offering something for everyone. Citizenship ceremonies are held in many cities and towns, where immigrants who like what we do here, take out Australian citizenship, as a mark of respect and of inclusion into our society. Everyone receives a lovely certificate and a native tree to symbolise their connection t our land. These events are very moving and are I think, a reason why our country is inclusive, accommodating and welcoming. It is one of our great strengths, that we are open to ideas, willing to “have a go” and accepting of other people’s backgrounds and beliefs. You can tell that I am fiercely proud of my heritage, can’t you?

People who have made outstanding contributions to our country in various ways are also recognised with “Orders of Australia”. These are equivalent to the British system of honours, but we don’t use the terms “Sir”, “Dame”, “Lord” etc - which tend to entrench a class system. We put OAM (Order of Australian Merit) etc after the name instead.

Despite our annual chest thumping festival, things are not all rosy here and we have much work to do to stay true to our ideals. This may be the last Australia Day that we have in peace for a while, if our Government decides to throw our lot into a fight between bullies in far off lands (despite overwhelming opposition from the people). We have pressing environmental issues that are threatening our way of life and there are many that need a better deal and a fairer go.

As I look at what we have accomplished as a nation in just over 200 years, I think we can stand proud and tall. There may not be many of us (around 19 million) but we can, and do, make a difference on the world scene. I’ll be celebrating today, and I look forward to sharing a few Aussie thoughts with you over the coming year through my Diary entries.

Cheers, Skol, Salut, Down the hatch, Bottoms up... whatever ! ( Clink of glasses of full-bodied Aussie red wine....)

Posted by andrea at January 26, 2003 06:36 AM

Comments

Andrea, how refreshing to read your australia address, pointing out the positives but just as important pointing there are troubling times ahead and much work to do. I listened to one address today and felt betrayed when the speaker supported the sending off of australian troops to the gulf.

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