Happy Australia Day! Celebrating The Aussie In All of Us
Stephen Luciak, an Eastern Oregon University student who studied abroad through AustraLearn at Southern Cross University, submitted his photo titled "Group Serenity" for the 2009 AustraLearn Alumni Photo Contest. The group was hiking Australia’s Girraween National Park on the border of New South Wales and Queensland.
Jan. 26 Holiday Reflects On History, Anticipates Bright Future
As Australians today mark the anniversary of the 1788 arrival of the First Fleet of 11 convict ships from Great Britain, and the raising of the Union Jack at Sydney Cove by its commander Captain Arthur Phillip, they also celebrate the contemporary Australia, a country with diverse society and landscape, remarkable achievements and a bright future.
History buffs might want to check out a comprehensive history of the evolution of Australia Day here. But the more modern-minded residents and fans of the Land Down Under will be spending the day celebrating Australia and reflecting on how to make it an even better place in future.
From the Australia Day web site:
“On Australia Day, over half of the nation’s population of 21 million attend either an organized community event, or get together with family and friends with the intention of celebrating our national day. Many more spend the public holiday relaxing with family and friends.
“Yet Australia Day is much more than barbeques and fireworks. It is more than another public holiday. It is more than the pride and excitement of new citizens who call themselves Australian for the first time on 26 January after being conferred citizenship.
“At its core, Australia Day is a day driven by communities, and the celebrations held in each town, suburb or city – unified by the celebration of what’s great about Australia and being Australian – are the foundation of its ongoing success.”
Cheers, everyone, on Australia Day!
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