Happy New South Wales Day.

[psionl0]

On this day in 1778, the first fleet arrived from England and landed on the east coast of "Terra Australis" at the site that would later be known as Sydney. This marked the beginning of the occupation of this land by the British.

This day is commemorated as "Australia Day" and is celebrated with fireworks every year. However, in more recent years, it has become a day marked by protests. Many are dubbing this "Invasion Day" to recognize the displacement of the Aboriginal population and the atrocities inflicted on them by the British settlers.

Some are calling for Australia Day to be celebrated on a different date. The problem is when? Strictly speaking, Australia didn't come into being until January 1, 1901. So the logical date should be January 1. The problem is that if we celebrated Australia Day on January 1 then there would be one less public holiday every year.

In spite of the controversies that flare up on Australia Day, we will likely celebrate the founding of the colony of New South Wales on January 26 for the foreseeable future.

 

[lionking]

On this day in 1778, the first fleet arrived from England and landed on the east coast of "Terra Australis" at the site that would later be known as Sydney. This marked the beginning of the occupation of this land by the British.

This day is commemorated as "Australia Day" and is celebrated with fireworks every year. However, in more recent years, it has become a day marked by protests. Many are dubbing this "Invasion Day" to recognize the displacement of the Aboriginal population and the atrocities inflicted on them by the British settlers.

Some are calling for Australia Day to be celebrated on a different date. The problem is when? Strictly speaking, Australia didn't come into being until January 1, 1901. So the logical date should be January 1. The problem is that if we celebrated Australia Day on January 1 then there would be one less public holiday every year.

In spite of the controversies that flare up on Australia Day, we will likely celebrate the founding of the colony of New South Wales on January 26 for the foreseeable future.

How many?

A relative handful of inner city whiners.

You know the good thing about Australia Day? It is treated by almost everyone as a day off work during the height of summer and nothing more. Most probably don't even know what it commemorates. Where are the gatherings of patriotic souls celebrating this momentous anniversary? At the cricket, tennis or Hottest 100 parties.

Let the whiners whine. No government is going to move Australia Day.

 

[psionl0]

Breaking News

A sea plane crashed into the Swan river in Perth killing the pilot and a passenger late this afternoon.

As a result, police have cancelled what was to be the most expensive fireworks display in Australia and ordered the crowds on the foreshore to go home.

 

[dudalb]

How many?

A relative handful of inner city whiners.

You know the good thing about Australia Day? It is treated by almost everyone as a day off work during the height of summer and nothing more. Most probably don't even know what it commemorates. Where are the gatherings of patriotic souls celebrating this momentous anniversary? At the cricket, tennis or Hottest 100 parties.

Let the whiners whine. No government is going to move Australia Day.

For the record, that is pretty much what the Fourth of July in the US is. With Fireworks added.

 

[TX50]

On this day in 1778

1788