Australia Day, which is celebrated every 26 January, is a day to reflect on what it means to be Australian and recognise the history of this nation, both the .
The day chosen as a national holiday is said to mark the commemoration of the arrival of the First Fleet of a British ship in Port Jackson, New South Wales in 1788. It also marks the raising of the British Flag at Sydney Cove by Governor Arthur Phillip.
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What they say about Australia Day
According to information on the Australia Day website, this commemoration is increasingly popular in the community with three out of four Australians believing this special day has a deeper meaning than just a holiday.
Thia Taylor, Gold Coaster who has lived in Australia for more than 20 years, did not hesitate to answer that Australia Day is synonymous with free sausages.
Source: Public domain
But not only that.
During the period of severe bushfires that occurred across Australia this year, the mother of three was involved in several fundraising events to help the victims, including through events organised by her group KICA (Kusuma Indonesia Community Australia).
KICA held a 'Multicultural Day' event on 25 January, which celebrated the diversity of communities in Australia by showcasing performances from various cultures, and was also used as a fundraising event.
Thia said that she feels to be part of the Australian community who should be helping each other.
"I feel that this is my home.. I mean my future is here," she said. "Because all of my children are here too. We live here, we work here, we will stay here."
More than half of Australians participate in Australia Day by attending events hosted by the State Government, local city councils, community groups or gathering with family and friends.
Source: Flickr/Les Haines/CC BY 2.0
Valeria Julianto relates with the latest. The dentist living in Sydney said that she always spent Australia Day with her closest friends.
"What is always done [on Australia Day] is usually the beach, do get together with friends, eat lamington," she said.
Valeria gave up her Indonesian citizenship in 2004, when she was in year 12. She said that she felt Australia is more like her home, instead of Indonesia, because she spent her adult life in the country.
"Indonesia is more into the sense of nostalgia.. because my extended family is also still there," she said.
Mentioning that holidays, barbecues and beaches are identical with Australia Day, Valeria said that this special day is also a celebration of what it means to be Australian.
