January 26 represents Australia’s national day. It marks the day when the first fleet of settlers and convicts arrived from Britain to Sydney Cove to establish a permanent settlement. It first became a public holiday in 1818, but it was not until 1946 that Australia Day was accepted and recognised in all Australian states and territories.
Australia Day is now a time of national celebration. Public festivals are held at both unofficial and official levels. Speeches are given by politicians and social leaders, and it is a favourite day for holding citizenship ceremonies to welcome new members of Australia’s culturally diverse community.
Protests
While millions of Australians celebrate, or simply enjoy a day off, tens of thousands take to the streets to protest. For example, this year a crowd of 60,000 turned out in the streets of Melbourne, demanding that the date be changed, or the celebration be abolished altogether. Similar, though smaller, protests took place in other Australian cities.
