It’s Australia Day. It’s gorgeous weather, I’m at work, surrounded by happy people and just watching some planes performing a wonderful show far above the grounds here. On the TV we have in our office to keep track of what’s going on out there are stunning pictures of this beautiful city, more happy people and more festivities.
For those of you who don’t know what Australia Day is all about here is what Wikipedia is saying about it (facts that I had to learn by heart in order to get my Australian Citizenship):
Australia Day is the official National Day of Australia. Celebrated annually on 26 January, it marks the anniversary of the 1788 arrival of the First Fleet of British Ships at Port Jackson, New South Wales, and the raising of the Flag of Great Britain at Sydney Cove by Governor Arthur Phillip. In present-day Australia, celebrations reflect the diverse society and landscape of the nation, and are marked by community and family events, reflections on Australian history, official community awards, and citizenship ceremonies welcoming new immigrants into the Australian community.[2]
The meaning and significance of Australia Day has evolved over time. Unofficially, or historically, the date has also been variously named “Anniversary Day”, “Foundation Day”, and “ANA Day”.[3] 26 January 1788 marked the proclamation of British sovereignty over the eastern seaboard of Australia (then known as New Holland).[4] Although it was not known as Australia Day until over a century later, records of celebrations on 26 January date back to 1808, with the first official celebration of the formation of New South Wales held in 1818.[5] On New Year’s Day 1901, the British colonies of Australia formed a Federation, marking the birth of modern Australia. A national day of unity and celebration was looked for. It was not until 1935 that all Australian states and territories had adopted use of the term “Australia Day” to mark the date, and not until 1994 that the date was consistently marked by a public holiday on that day by all states and territories.[6]
In contemporary Australia, the holiday is marked by the presentation of the Australian of the Year Awards on Australia Day Eve, announcement of the Australia Day Honours list and addresses from the Governor-General and Prime Minister. It is an official public holiday in every state and territory of Australia, unless it falls on a weekend in which case the following Monday becomes a public holiday instead. With community festivals, concerts and citizenship ceremonies, the day is celebrated in large and small communities and cities around the nation. Australia Day has become the biggest annual civic event in Australia.[5]
It’s a good day and I’m looking forward to the fireworks tonight…
Happy Australia Day!
I hope you are enjoying your work! All the best xx
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I dread the day it’s over… I love it!
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Wut! Wut! Happy Australia day.
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Hahaha! Thanks!
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Enjoy ❤
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Thank you 🙂
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Well Happy Australia Day and the fun fireworks this evening!
Happy Blogging!
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🙂
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So Happy Australia Day to you, Sandra! 🙂
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Thanks 🙂
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🙂
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Enjoy the day and the fireworks to follow!
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It was a good day, thank you 🙂
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Enjoy the day! 🎉
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I did, thank you 🙂
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A very happy Australia Day to you and all you compatriots. May the beautiful weather continue to aid in the celebration of a truly beautiful country and people.
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Oh, thanks! One day I will visit your apparently very stunning city!
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I’m still not sure it compares with yours, but we keep trying. : )
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They’re all different and beautiful in their ways.
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I hope it was fun!
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It was a good day and a good evening with my family.
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🙂
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Happy Australia Day!
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Thanks, Eric!
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What a great idea!
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🙂
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