A Day for the People
Australia Day today is a community day. With formal ceremonies around the country – flag raising, citizenship ceremonies and the presentation of community awards – combined with local events and fun activities, the day belongs to the people.Celebrations actively encourage participation of all Australians regardless of age, ethnicity and culture. Increasing numbers of communities are also making efforts to recognise the meaning of the day for indigenous Australians with events such as indigenous flag-raising and welcome to country ceremonies.
While the historical aspects of the day will always be acknowledged, there is now a greater awareness of the need to celebrate contemporary Australia with our diversity, remarkable achievements and bright future.
First celebrations
On January 26, 1788 Captain Arthur Phillip took formal possession of the colony of New South Wales and became its first Governor.
The fledging colony soon began to celebrate the anniversary of this date. Manning Clarke notes that in 1808 the “anniversary of the foundation of the colony” was observed in the traditional manner with “drinking and merriment”.
The first official celebrations were held in 1818 to mark the 30th anniversary of white settlement. Governor Macquarie officiated at a thirty-gun salute during the day and a dinner ball at Government House that evening.
