“Happy AUSTRALiA DAY to ALL the good people LiViNG iN AUSTRALiA, and thoughts of those past who made the great land downunder HOME, including the first Europeans that settled here on this day 225 years ago, and the abORIGINAL AUSTRALIANS who have lived in Australia for 50,000 years.” ~ Anton K

 

Australia Day is the official national day of Australia, celebrated annually on the 26th January to commemorate the arrival of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove in New South Wales in 1788, then known as New Holland. Australia Day was first celebrated unofficially on the 26th January 1808, with the first official celebration in 1818, with the formation of New South Wales.

Today Australia Day is an official public holiday in every state and territory of Australia, and first marked by the presentation of the Australian of the Year Awards on the eve of Australia Day (25th January). The Governor-General and Prime Minister of Australia announce and address the Australia Day Honours List. Australia Day is also celebrated with citizenship ceremonies, concerts and community festivals, which has made it become the biggest annual civic event in Australia.