Among Australian public holidays, Australia Day is considered one of the most important as it commemorates the founding of the first white settlement in Australia in 1788.

On May 13, 1787, British Captain Arthur Phillip set sail from Portsmouth, England, to establish a convict colony in Australia.

He sailed with 11 ships, 759 convicts -- 191 of whom were female -- 13 children of convicts, 211 marines, 46 wives and children of marines, and his staff of nine.

Phillip landed at Botany Bay on the eastern coast of Australia on January 18, 1788, travelled some kilometres north to find a more suitable place for settlement and came ashore at Sydney Cove on January 26 in what is now the historic Rocks area at the southern end of today's Sydney Harbour Bridge.

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Australia Day. Celebrate what's great.

Australia Day, January 26, is the biggest day of celebration in the country and is observed as a public holiday in all states and territories.

On Australia Day we come together as a nation to celebrate what's great about Australia and being Australian. It's the day to reflect on what we have achieved and what we can be proud of in our great nation.

It's the day for us to re-commit to making Australia an even better place for the future.

There are many great things about this country:

The people - The life savers on the beach and the farmers in the bush; the larrikins; our sporting heroes, artists and visionaries; the volunteers who dedicate their lives to others; the spirit of pulling together in hard times and achieving beyond expectation; the eminent Australians from all walks of life, the battlers and the ordinary Australians who are anything but ordinary.

Our land - Fragile yet enduring. Harsh and extreme, lush and bountiful-a continent like no other. Our ancient land offers boundless opportunity, sustains us and makes us who we are.

Our diversity - A nation of difference and unity. People from the city, the country, different nations and backgrounds; we are one people, living together. Through our diverse beliefs and experiences we learn from each other and grow together.

The indigenous cultures - The rich and resilient spirituality; the knowledge, art and history. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are part of Australia's identity and culture.

Our freedom and democracy - A society built on fundamental rights and responsibilities. Freedom of thought and expression. Participation in government and respect for and equality under the law.

A fair go for all - An enduring spirit of mateship and fairness. A compassionate society committed to access to employment, housing, health and education. Ours is a land of opportunity where we can do anything.

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Have a good one

Kan Win

I didnt know whether to cry or throw up after reading that dribble.

Edited January 22, 200818 yr by howtoescape

Cheers Kan Win,

You too mate. Hope you have a great day.

Cheers

Jimmy

I've never known anyone who saw any significance in Australia Day other than as a day off school/work..

Had I been born a day later, I would have had every birthday off work whilst in Australia...

Thanks Colonel.

I hope every Aussie had a great day.

Thanks Colonel.

I hope every Aussie had a great day.

You too cobber

Hope everyone had a great Australia day..I know i did..I got pissed on cheap beer in Burma..

Sorry I missed it. I hope all the Ozzies had a G'day. It's a great country with great people. Wishing you all the best.

I suppose ANZAC Day is the most meaningful national day in Australia, but maybe young people are less cynical about days like Australia Day. I know my daughter and son-in-law and their friends here in Bangkok respect the day (and have a good time while they're about it).

Hope everyone had a great Australia day..I know i did..I got pissed on cheap beer in Burma..

I just got pissed and i'm not an Ozzie.