Horrified exclamations. Shrieks of outrage. Glares of contempt. And it’s all because you have the audacity to mention the outrageous notion that perhaps Australia Day should no longer be celebrated on January 26th.
Quite frankly, this reaction is unwarranted. Australia Day is supposed to be a day to celebrate everything great about our nation and its people; however, the very thing that undermines its purpose is indeed the date on which it is celebrated.
Currently, Australia Day condones the horrific treatment of Aboriginals, which began on this day in 1788, our nation is continually divided on a day we are meant to celebrate our unity, and there are several alternative dates that are more inclusive; therefore, January 26th should not be
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Every single year, the debate divides our country. And every single year, we are determined to repeat the same mistake and keep the date.
But finally, the movement for change is gaining momentum, both virtually and in real life. On Twitter, the use of #ChangeTheDate, increased by 850% on last year, and both #SurvivalDay and #InvasionDay increased by 200% (REFERENCE WHEN CONNOR AND LEV COME BACK FROM THE DEAD!...DAMN IT).
Similarly, nationwide protests received huge responses, with the one in Melbourne reaching an estimated crowd of 10 000.
Meanwhile in Sydney, the protests there were not quite peaceful. Police intervention was required after a 20 year old man attempted to set a flag alight, which was then followed by a brief altercation. How much more unAustralian can Australia Day become?
Solidarity and mateship are two ideals that Australians view with paramount importance. it. But when the events that occur on our own national day fail to exemplify them—and violence is rife instead—how are we meant to be proud of who we
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Okay, let’s start with the relevance of May 8th. Seriously, just say it aloud a few times, and then you’ll get it (Still confused? Well, basically, it sounds like “mate”.) Honestly, this idea, suggested by comedian, Jordan Raskopoulos, is AMAZING – or, should I say, Eight-May-Zing? ;) CN WORTHY? Quite simply, the reasoning behind why we should choose this day – which is because of the way it sounds – embodies key characteristics of what it means to be Australian: our strong sense of mateship and our laidback nature, giving us that much more incentive to celebrate.
Furthermore, on June 3rd, 1992, Terra Nullius was overturned, and the Aboriginals were finally recognised as the original owners of the land. This was a crucial step in making amends, which validated that we stand with them – not against them. Now that’s what it means to be Australian. That’s what Australia Day is supposed to celebrate. Or, at least, it would, if we changed it to a day such as
December 11th is not a date many Australians want to remember. But why? Because Australians don't condone racism or because they don't accept it is a great part of their society and history?
It is well known that Captain Arthur Philips landed in Australia on 26th of January and took over the land and is referred to as “invasion Day”. Yet little do people know, Captain Arthur Phillip didn’t land in Australia on 26 January. He first landed in Australia between the 18th and 20th of January 1788 in Botany Bay, however where he landed he couldn’t find fresh water so he then sailed into Sydney Cove on the 26th where he found a Tank Stream…..problem solved. Australia day today celebrates our diverse society, our remarkable achievements, our future as a nation and how we can make Australia a better
The contributions and achievements of Indigenous role models continue to make substantial impacts upon our history in areas such as the arts, sport, education, science and more increasingly; the world of Politics. Modern Australia is recognising and celebrating the achievements of Aboriginal people more than ever before, where the social landscape is changing (albeit slowly) as a result. The gradual change of peoples ingrained preconceptions, unfounded ideas and prejudiced notions are being challenged and ultimately transformed.
Over the years Australia has had many different problems with racism and racism affecting peoples’ lives. Many racial groups have been affected, most significantly the Aboriginals. The end of world war two in 1945 marked a huge change in types of racism. Australia went from the ‘superior’ white Australians dominating over immigrants and aboriginals. To a relatively multicultural and accepting society that is present today.
...ndigenous recognition and the removal of racist remarks has been an on-going theme for a vast majority of time. The necessity of Constitutional reform to close the gap on cultural divide as well as support the on-going concept of reconciliation is essential in ensuring Australia continues to improve and nurture its relationship with Indigenous peoples. The process of amendment through referendum has proven to be problematic in the past, with the success rate exceptionally low. Though with key factors such as bi-partisan support, widespread public knowledge and correct management, the alteration to remove racial discrimination and provide recognition for Indigenous persons within the Constitution is highly achievable. If proposed and eventually passed, this will provide assistance in eliminating many of the cultural gaps Indigenous persons face throughout society.
Australian people should be opening arms to the Face of Mercy and to the Refugees that are
Mateship is a value and important part of attitude towards others that lasts forever and ever, like the Anzacs. The Anzacs are the originals of mateship because of their compassion to defend each other's backs. For these reasons, all Australians are still proud to say that the Anzacs fought for Australia and for their mates. They rest in Australians hearts today in harmony and peace. They fought hard, defended each other's backs and they appreciated that they could always turn to each other for a shoulder to lean on. A shoulder to cry on. A shoulder to bestow their fondness of memories with.
Australia Day, celebrated on the 26th of January every year, is a nationally recognised day that signifies the anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet. It’s a historic event that also marks the beginning of the oppression of the Indigenous people, that still can occur today, no matter how much the Government has tried to atone for the sins of the past. Australia Day is a day of celebration and mourning, a fact that contributes to the constant bickering between the Indigenous and non-Indigenous. There are many who believe that the meaning behind the modern Australia Day is overshadowed by the past, which will prevent the nation from moving forward, much like Ben Roberts-Smith who published an opinion piece in the Herald Sun on the 26th
Which leads into my third and final premise, changing the date will be a large step towards reconciliation and act as a demonstration that we have aspirations to make our country better. Many people claim that changing the date will not change history. Of course they’re right because nothing can change history. If we were capable of doing so, I’d like to think we would have done it already. Changing the date of Australia Day will not reverse the suffering that the original custodians of this land were subjected to. Nor will it abolish the iron fist of racism that Australia seems to be gripped by.
All citizens should be able to look upon their flag with pride and glory. They should feel as though it unites them as a nation. Without a doubt, the current flag of Australia does nothing of the sort. It has become an anachronic symbol of the nation which poorly represents our society through the total disregard for the Indigenous Australians and their heritage. Not only does it suggest that we are a part of a colonial relationship, but it is constantly confused and associated with other countries with similar flag designs. A new flag will reinforce our national identity with a strong and inspiring design that is easily recognisable and unique to our country and its people.
Picture a stunning sandy beach, waves lapping on the shoreline and the sun setting on the horizon creating a breathtaking atmosphere. The never-ending golden sand stretching as far as the eye can see. This is Australia.
The Australian War Memorial website has a section dedicated to the tradition of ANZAC Day which explains its cultural importance to Australians and the rituals which surround commemoration services
Since the time of federation the Aboriginal people have been fighting for their rights through protests, strikes and the notorious ‘day of mourning’. However, over the last century the Australian federal government has generated policies which manage and restrained that of the Aboriginal people’s rights, citizenships and general protection. The Australian government policy that has had the most significant impact on indigenous Australians is the assimilation policy. The reasons behind this include the influences that the stolen generation has had on the indigenous Australians, their relegated rights and their entitlement to vote and the impact that the policy has had on the indigenous people of Australia.
Anzac Day (25 April) is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand which commemorates all who have served in global conflicts and efforts to maintain peace.
...ir people and their country to achieve a great deal, in hope one day we unite and abolish discrimination. Although America had a major impact on the world, Australia was just important to our Indigenous people with racial based discrimination. Both Freedom rides recognised situations and mistreatment in both countries thus making them equal within ‘importance’.