Australia  Day  2008

Following British navigator, James Cook’s universally accepted discovery of Australia in 1770 by landing at Stingray Bay, later named Botany Bay, the British government sent the ”First Fleet“ from Portsmouth in southern England in  May 1787 to establish a penal colony in Australia.

The fleet landed at Botany Bay (now the site of Sydney’s international airport), but found the bay unprotected, the soil infertile and freshwater scarce.  A few days later the fleet of 11 ships sailed a short distance north into Port Jackson and found an area suitable for settlement.  They called this site Sydney Cove – named in honour of the British Home Secretary, Lord Sydney.  Here there were sheltered anchorages, fresh water and fertile soil.

A clearing was made and on 26 January 1788, the British flag was hoisted to establish the first white settlement and penal colony.  This day of hoisting the flag was originally called Foundation Day, but later changed to Australia Day.

Sydney Cove today is the site of the Rocks area, the southern end of the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge and the magnificent waterfront location of the stunning Danish designed Sydney Opera House.

26th January - Australia’s National Day - is the day on which the nation celebrates its strong bipartisan patriotism.  Australians gather for civic receptions, citizenship ceremonies, aerial displays, tall ships races, surf contests, private barbecues, fireworks displays and many other activities throughout the nation.

Overseas, the celebrations are tailored to the country of residence.  Official receptions, community family gatherings and private celebrations mark the day of festivities.

Worldwide, Australians commemorate their core values of freedom of speech and religion, multi-culturalism, recognition of past failures and successes, and a determination to succeed in the future.  Wealthy or poor, we all share a convincing sense that there is significantly far more that unites us, than divides us.

We fortify our internationally admired concept of ”mateship.“  Whatever our economic circumstances, our ethnic origins, our beliefs, our gender – we are all equal in the eyes of the law and in our right to enjoy fairness from society.  Australians strongly believe in hard work to generate success, and in being generous and offering support to those who cannot help themselves.  We express our national pride in our diverse society and in our unique life-style.  We celebrate our equality with others, our mateship with friends, and our many national and international achievements

In Norway, during its January zero and sub-zero temperatures, it is not possible to enjoy the Aussie style summer barbecue, so we gather indoors and have a great party to celebrate our nationalism. 

This year, on Saturday 26th January, we are gathering at Dr Jekyll’s pub in Oslo for a casual evening of merriment and partying with our families and friends.   This event is being organised by the newly founded Australian Association (Norway), and it brings together in a convivial atmosphere Australians and friends of Australia (whatever nationality) resident in or visiting Norway.  We shall sing our national anthem, raise our glasses, and declare a toast ”To Australia.“

See www.zeromindset.com/ausday08  for further information or contact  ausday@zeromindset.com