Australia Day
On Australia Day, let's reflect, respect and celebrate. We're all part of the story.
On Australia Day we can celebrate all the things we love about Australia
More than half of all Australians get involved in Australia Day, participating all around the country. From the biggest cities to our smallest, most remote townships, there are thousands of inclusive events and activities taking place. But we also recognise that Australia Day can mean different things for different people and that it can be hard for some. Which is why we want Australia Day to be a time we can recognise the contribution of all Australians ranging from our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people – who have been here for more than 65,000 years, to those who have lived here for generations and those who have come from all corners of the globe and call our country home.
The national campaign for Australia Day is called, We’re all part of the Story and it is based on the notion that all Australians play a part in our national identity.
On Australia Day, we urge everyone to take time out to reflect on our history, what impact it had on our first peoples, and pay respect to all those who sacrificed much along the way to getting to where we are today.
Whether it’s the land, sense of fair go, our lifestyle, democracy, the freedoms we enjoy and most importantly, the stories of our people. No matter where each of our personal stories began, Australia Day is when we can all come together and pay tribute to our diversity, promote reconciliation and celebrate our progress as a dynamic, modern society, unique for its wonderous, ancient culture.
Australia Day is when we should acknowledge and celebrate the contribution that every Australian makes. From our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples – who have been here for more than 65,000 years – to those who have lived here for generations and to those who have come more recently to call our country home.
Australia Day and new Citizenship.
Australia Day is now the biggest time of the year when we confer our newest Citizens. All over the country hundreds of Citizenship ceremonies, welcome thousands of our newest citizens as Australians, who all play an important role in our national identity and importantly who will contribute to and share our common future. Get in touch with your local council and check out what they are up to on Australia Day.
History of Australia Day
The marking of 26 January is an important date in Australia’s history and has changed over time: starting as a celebration for emancipated convicts and evolving into what is now a celebration of Australia that reflects the nation’s diverse people.
The date has long been a difficult symbol for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who see it as a day of sorrow and mourning.
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