A Celebration of Unity and Individuality
Figure 1:South East Asia Tours Co. Map of Australia, six territories and major cities.
Abstract
Australia Day is a day full of color, excitement, National pride, and controversy.This day marks the onset of European Australian colonization, as well as the termination of an entire Indigenous culture. It has been over two hundred years since white settlers established their supremacy over the Aboriginal people. Australia Day is intended to unite the nation and boost optimism for an improved future, but discriminatory actions against Aborigines and ignorance for their disadvantages serve as a painful reminder of their ancestor's past. With its increased number of participants come a greater diversity, and ultimately a greater awareness of the current political and social state of Aborigines.
Geoff Knagge
2001-2004 Sydney
Harbour Bridge L'Art Aborigene. A Native
Australian, an Aboriginal, plays the Didgeridoo
Introduction
On January 26 th 1788 The First Fleet, led by Captain Arthur Phillip, arrived in Sydney Cove (National Australia Day Council 2003). See Figure 2 . Over two hundred years later, the advent of white settlement is now commemorated through Australia Day celebrations. To the Aboriginals, this public holiday is regarded as a harsh reminder of their loss of culture and victimization.Despite attempts to encourage unity and positivism for the current state of the Nation, a minority of Australian Aborigines does not view Australia Day as one to celebrate; it remains a day of mixed emotions and meanings.
Context of Australia
The continent of Australia is composed of six territories: New South Whales, Tasmania , Western Australia , Victoria , and Queensland , all member states of the Commonwealth of British Empire (Abaccia Atlas Online). See Figure 1 . Geographically, Australia consists of low plateaus with deserts and fertile plains in the south east (Abaccia Atlas Online). The Plains in the south east also account for the most temperate region, while the north is mostly tropical and other regions vary from arid to semi-arid climates.
The first of the six colonies to be governed by Captain Arthur Phillip was New South Whales (National Australia Day council 2003). Around 1888, when the other colonies had developed and the discovery of gold was announced, the population grew to nearly three million (NADC 2003). Today, Australia 's population is over 20 million (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2001 census). Only a small percentage- about 300,000 people- of Australia 's original settlers still exist (Coutts, 2003).
Origins of Australia Day
Commemorative celebrations first began in the early 1800's, with the earliest celebration recorded in 1808. The only known activities to have taken place were not until 1818, during the 30 th anniversary of the colonization. Governor Macquarie held an invitation-only gala ball with a thirty gun salute. The 19 th century observances were called “Foundation Day”. In later years, an Australia Day Regatta was formed, which remains a part of the many current festivities (NADC 2003). It was not until 1946 that this anniversary day announcement was decided a National holiday and given its current title (NADC 2003). As Rodriguez theorizes, “festivals telescope socio-cultural processes in the making”. Thus, the popularity and size of Australia Day celebrations increased synchronically with the population and power of the Government and its colonizers.
Performance
The National Australian Day Council spends up to a year in advance planning for the countless events which take place during the annual Australia Day celebrations. Throughout all parts of Australia residents participate in Captain Phillip's arrival reenactment and flag-raising, as well as a variety of other activities such as musical concerts, Australian achievement awards ceremonies (See Figure 4 ), athletic tournaments, firework displays, and parades.
Perhaps the most popularized event has been the reenactment. Participants often dress in 18 th century styles and reenact the arrival of the two warships to the Sydney Harbour (although reenactments occur all over Australia ). It is at the Macquarie Square , near the harbour, that the British flag is raised. The general environment is lively and inviting. Fireworks and air force shows accompany the arrival, as Australians patriotically cheer and represent their nation with clothing, face paint, and symbolic references (NADC- NSW).
Artifact
Australia's National Anthem.
http://pm.gov.au/aus_in_focus/nat_symbols/anthem.html
Interpretation
Prognosis for Australia Day
As mentioned earlier, the Australia Day commemorations have only increased with time. More and more Australians are participating in the events due to expanded activities, awards, and competitions appealing to all interests. “ Since the bi-centenary Australia Day celebrations have continued to grow in number and stature with the celebrations continuing to involve a larger and broader audience (NADC 2004)”. Aborigine participation has also strengthened due to the recent activism involved.
Conclusion
January 26 th is intended to spark patriotism and pride in one's nation and culture. It is difficult for Aborigines to celebrate this day gleefully due to their painful past. However, this day is not only a reminder of loss, but may also serve as a reminder that time moves on and progression moves forward. With the support of citizens and Human Rights Groups movements, this day can be used as a medium to express their ongoing struggle and ideas for a better future. Through annual remembrance, white descendants are forced to face the actions of their ancestors and are given a chance to make a step toward reconciliation. Through patriotic events, local festivals, and reenactments, all Australians unite to provide hope for a better future . Though some doubt that Aboriginal issues will go away, others argue that this changing celebration will ease a nation into recognizing all person's rights, including the Aboriginals.
Internet References Cited
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Australian Bureau of Statistics
4 June 2004. YearBook Australia . Copyright Commonwealth of Australia . Last Updated 16 September 2004. Site visited: 09/14/04
http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats
The Australian Bureau of Statistics uses this site to make purchasing statistical data and publications easier, while also providing free, limited access to the Australian census.
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Australia Day Council of New South Whales
2004. National Australia Day Council. Copyright NADC 2003. Site visited 10/18/04
http://www.australiaday.gov.au/
The National Australia Day Council, whose members are appointed by the Prime Minister and Cabinet, created this site to promote Australia Day celebrations, its values, and give specific information regarding A.D. events.
The following sources are pages connected to the NADC site. The sites are controlled by
the NADC, but are individual writings:
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Huggins, Jackie
2003. First Australians Reconciliation. National Australia Day Council. Copyright NADC 2003. Site visited 09/15/04
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National Australia Day Council
2003. “Celebrate What's Great”.
Copyright NADC 2003. Site visited 09/15/04
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Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization
1991-2004 UNPO.
http://www.unpo.org/member/php?arg=04
The UNPO is a group of diverse people dedicated to working for international preservation of the environment and for protection of human rights. UNPO describes its site as “a legitimate and established forum for member aspirations”.
Peer-Reviewed References Cited
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