Australia Day

Australia Day is a day set aside to commemorate the arrival of Captain Arthur Phillip and the First Fleet at Sydney Cove on the 26 January 1788. On the day of his arrival, Captain Arthur Phillip declared the area that became the colony of New South Wales to be a British possession. This landing started the first permanent European settlement on this island continent. Australia Day, January 26, is celebrated with a public holiday and celebrations in every …

…traditions. Surely this is clear in the profile of Australia's indigenous population. And while the historical aspects of the 26 January will always be acknowledged, there must be a greater awareness of the need to celebrate modern Australia - a land of diverse ethnic makeup and a land working towards reconciliation with its indigenous people. A change of date for Australia Day, would give it a greater significance to myself, as well as the wider community.