Australia Day

Today, 26th January is Australia Day. A day we celebrate all things Australian to commemorate the First Fleet landing at Sydney Cove with the first group of British petty criminals, our very first European settlers in Australia.

Following the British we had Irish, German and other Europeans and Chinese. After the Great Depression we had 5000 Jewish refugee families from Germany arrive. The Ten Pound Poms were the next influx after World War II when Australia launched a massive immigration programme targeting citizens of Commonwealth countries. Having narrowly avoided the Japanese invasion it was decided populate or perish.

And populate we did, hundreds of thousands of Europeans and over one million British immigrated.  The scheme was extended to include other countries. Entry was uncomplicated; in sound health and under 45 years, with no skill restrictions.

This brief background brings us to where we are today, a hugely diverse population and a can-do nation.

Our Australia Day long weekend consists of all things Australian. Sunshine, snags, fireworks and friends and is the perfect time to make the most of our beautiful hometown, Perth.

The Australia Day fireworks celebrations in Perth are recognized as the largest across the country and today is the day many celebrate being Australian. It is also the day many residents born overseas decide to become Australians. After all, diversity is Australia’s strength and together we embrace the cultures and cuisine of our immigrant Australians.

There are fireworks planned in Fremantle, Ashfield and Armadale for those who do not want to travel into the city.

We only get to be this patriotic once a year, but we do it in bloody style. I’m fair dinkum Aussie and proud of it. Whether, like me and born here, like Steve and grew up here or are amongst the newer arrivals to this wonderful state, the whole community gets behind the amazing event of Skyworks.

Each year we see many families from diverse cultures come together as one to celebrate the many free events with smiles on their faces.

Perth holds other fireworks shows to celebrate within the community. Bassendean this year held the 11th Australia Day Concert fireworks. Minnawarra Park has children’s activities, free entertainment and carnival rides, etc. Bathers Beach in Fremantle with again host a seaside alternative to the skyshow with an ocean skyshow.  James Mitchel Park in South Perth, Memorial Park in Mosman Park and Perry Lakes Reserve hold the largest of many community citizenship ceremonies in true Aussie style.

Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Oi, Oi, Oi

Where and how did you celebrate Australia Day?

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