January 26 is
Australia Day, the national day set aside for celebrating everything that is wonderful about Australia and being Australian. Today on my way home from the weekly grocery shop, I was listening to a radio phone-in on "what's unAustralian". Very funny stuff, much of it as dry as the red centre (as opposed to the flooded north), and much of it referencing our laidback, let's-not-take-life-too-seriously lifestyle.
On Australia Day many communities host organized fun events--parades and fireworks, sporting events and concerts--as well as the more formal events which include flag-raisings, citizenship ceremonies and presentation of community achievement awards. These local ceremonies often include a keynote speech by an "Australia Day ambassador," that title a recognition of the individual's contribution to society.
We also acknowledge Australians who have made extraordinary contributions. In 2008 the "Australian of the Year" is popular country singer-songwriter
Lee Kernaghan, who has been a real champion for country communities battling the long drought. He's also a genuine, all-round good guy who has never let fame turn his head. Of course, where there's an Australian of the Year there must also be an UN-Australian of the Year and apparently that dubious honour has gone to our new Prime Minister Kevin Rudd for...wait for it...visiting a New York strip club and acting like a complete gentleman. Apparently that is unAustralian.
Bron rolls her eyes.Why do we celebrate our national day on January 26? Because on this day in 1788 Captain Arthur Phillip took formal possession of the colony of New South Wales. Cool little piece of family history: one of my ancestors had the dubious honour of carrying Captain Phillip ashore. Apparently naval captains didn't much like getting their feet wet. Even more interesting is that he and his wife--Henry and Susannah Kable--were part of the first (group) wedding ceremony at the new colony. Henry and Susannah Kable were transported to Sydney as convicts, along with their illegitimate child who was born in prison. They were able to travel together on the "Friendship" in the First Fleet after Lord Sydney intervened to prevent them being separated. A true hero.
Labels: Australian life
posted by Bronwyn Jameson @ 6:33 PM
