Australia’s official national day is observed every year on January 26 in remembrance of the British ships that first brought European settlers to Australia in 1788. Over 750 convicts who had been tried and convicted in Great Britain for relatively minor offences were transferred on these eleven ships to British prison colonies that had been set up around the world, including North America and the Pacific. A further 300 people with military and medical expertise travelled to Australia to start the new colony.
In 1818, the first anniversary of British rule over Australia’s east coast was celebrated. The dates of this significant occasion have also been referred to as “Anniversary Day,” “Foundation Day,” and “Australian Natives’ Association” over the years. The term “Australia Day” was adopted by all Australian states and territories in 1935, and on January 26 of that year, it became a recognised public holiday.
Australia Day is a day of solidarity for the country and the most significant civic celebration of the year. It features a wide range of family and community customs, the awarding of national honours, and the inauguration of new Australian citizens. Not all Australians, though, share the same sentiments about the day.
In protest of the entrance of the British people, indigenous Australians have traditionally referred to this day as “Invasion Day” or “National Day of Mourning.” The holiday has caused controversy, and some people still participate in counter celebrations. A member of the Aboriginal Progressive Association named it a “Day of Mourning” in 1938, alluding to the yearly commemoration of Phillip’s arrival. William Cooper made the declaration.
Many Aboriginal people express their sorrow on Australia Day for their ancestors who perished or suffered during colonisation. There is also a strong sense of respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture throughout the day. There are also demonstrations calling for the date of Australia Day to be changed to honour the Indigenous Australians. In order to encourage Australians from all backgrounds to come together and celebrate Australia as a multicultural nation, the Australian government has honoured the traditional owners of the lands where Australia Day is celebrated.
