My reason for this letter is concern and disappointment for another January 26 to roll by with the audacity of calling itself Australia Day, when Captain James Cook claimed this land as empty and belonging to Britain.
How can that date be anything but a solemn reminder of our humble beginnings as a nation? I’d call it Federation Day. A day to honour and pay tribute to those who have and will shape Australia into a nation to be proud of, a day of ceremony where we lay to rest the pompous notion of terra nullius and mourn the stolen generations. A day where we acknowledge the terror and carnage of our history and where we remember with open arms the first of the boat people who arrived on these shores, wretched convicts transported from an unkind and uncaring mother country. Call it Sad and Sorry Day, call it Invasion Day but don’t call it Australia Day.
So when can we all have an Australia Day with a public holiday to party, to celebrate the joy of being Australian? There’s a date going begging if you ask me. With Liz gone (of course, if she was alive it wouldn’t be an option but she isn’t) I reckon the Queen’s Birthday is up for grabs because who in their right mind wants an Australian public holiday called the King’s Birthday? A bit of self-respect please, this is not a monarchy, we’ve fought long and hard to become a nation.
Let’s totally unite this wonderful land we have the good fortune to inhabit, let’s truly celebrate this country we call home and give Australia Day a new meaning with another date! I’m calling for everyone to join me in the quest for our own Australia Day revival.
When exactly do you think this place was renamed ‘Australia’? Renaming it Australia was an act of rebellion against the empire, and signified a split with the past. Maybe you would be surprised how the White people here felt about 120 years of being oppressed, robbed, and used as virtual slaves by the British Empire.
Jane no date would be acceptable for you
Regarding Australia Day …need for the reminder
We live and that means YOU in the most successful multicultural society in the world.. and may i suggest you know your history a little better than what you have Above.. this country has come a long way in the last 100 years period !
Oh boy…..but here goes Aussie history buffs.
1) 26th January 1788 was, of course, when Capt Phillip raised the British flag at Sydney Cove (Gadigal land). The eastern part of Australia was then known as New South Wales (named by Capt Chook in 1770). Perhaps we should rename it NSW Day. But whatever you think it will remain a significant day in Australia’s history regardless of what it is called.
2) terra nullius is Latin for “a land belonging to no one” so probably worse than “empty”. It was first invoked (as regards Australia) by Governor Gipps in response to a “treaty” negotiated by Batman (no joke) with Kulin tribes in the Melbourne area.
3) Capt Chook may have claimed the eastern part of Australia for Britain in 1770 when he stopped at Possession Is. in the Torres Strait. It is debatable.
4) Vote “YES”
We should be able to have an adult discussion on just what day would be best to celebrate the birth of this great country more that is more inclusive of all Australians. In reality, Australia as a whole did not exist until Jan 1. 1901, by continuing to recognise Jan 26, we are really only celebrating “Colony of NSW” day; certainly many interpretations can be made.
No day will be good enough Keith ..
Bring back ANA day!
Those who don’t want to celebrate Aussie day on 26th Jan go and stand in the corner while the majority celebrate this great event. You can even have a little protest with each other to make yourselves feel important.
Oh dear Greg, that ADULT discussion obviously wouldn’t include your rightist minority.
🤣🤣 like it greg ..
Just keep denying the truth, you are falling behind on all fronts. Rightist minority ?, what country are you from?. Dream on, the end is nigh.
Thank you Barrow, I can always depend on you for much uncommon common sense. When I said the majority I meant the overwhelmingly huge majority of everyday unspoiled by lefty garbage thinking people whom just happen to be the majority, the silent majority that speak out on voting day. The woke lefty minority can go and be woke in their pathetic little minority with themselves while the good sensible and responsible majority get on with the job. I suggest the lefty’s get a spine, stand upright and witness a great nation that really doesn’t need them.