13 Jan Celebrate what being Australian means to you this Australia Day
Like one in four Australian residents I wasn’t born here.
My family and I emigrated to Australia from South-Africa when I was 13, in pursuit of a better life.
On January 26, along with 13 million people, over half the country, I will celebrate all the things I love about my adopted country – the democracy, the lifestyle, the sense or fair go, and particularly the people.
Australia Day is about acknowledging and celebrating the contribution that all of us make to our dynamic nation.
From our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, who have been here for more than 65,000 years, to those who, like my husband and his family, have lived here for generations, and those who, like myself, have come from all over the world to call our country home.
The marking of January 26 is an important date in Australia’s history, and has changed over time.
Starting as a celebration for emancipated convicts, it has evolved into what is now a celebration of an Australia that reflects our nation’s diverse people.
Australia Day continues to be hugely popular, with three in four of us believing it has a bigger meaning beyond being just a day off, and importantly, over 16,000 new Australians will become citizens on the day.
Celebrate what being Australian means to you, at home with family and friends, or by taking part in Gladstone Regional Council’s free Family Fun Day this January 26 from 2-6pm at Millennium Esplanade, Tannum Sands.
Enjoy strolling through the handmade markets while enjoying the talents of local musicians, or feast on the free sausage sizzle and ice blocks while trying your hand at rock climbing, dunk tank and mechanical surfboarding (also free).
However you choose to celebrate Australia Day, make time to reflect on our history, its highs and lows, respect the stories of others, and remember that we’re all part of our country’s story.
by Carey McIntosh
Australia Day Family Fun Day
When: January 26 from 2 – 6pm
Where: Millennium Esplanade, Tannum Sands
Cost: Free – tickets are not required but checking in via the Check In Qld App is still required.
Australia Day events around the region
Builyan Many Peaks Community Development Association
What: Australia Day Brekkie – BBQ breakfast, poetry, trivia quizzes and cake cutting.
Where: Builyan Hall, Pine Street, Builyan
When: January 26 from 8 – 11am
Boyne Valley Community Discovery Centre Inc.
What: Australia Day Backyard – an afternoon event which begins with some waterplay, a treasure hunt and other organised games for the kids while adults relax and catch up. A backyard cricket match involving all ages follows in the cool of the afternoon. The event ends with a BBQ and cutting of the Australia Day cake.
Where: Boyne Valley Community Discovery Centre, McDonald Street, Boyne Valley
When: January 26 from 4 -7.30pm
South End Progress Association Inc.
What: Australia Day Celebrations – BBQ food, lamingtons, soft drinks, water, tea and coffee are provided. Sporting activities for adults and children include tug-o-war, crab pot throwing, volleyball and cricket. Music entertainment is provided throughout the day.
Where: Golding Park, South End, Curtis Island
When: January 26 from 10.30am – 3.30pm
Turkey Beach Progress Association
What: Australia Day Breakfast – BBQ breakfast, costume judging, thong throwing, cow pat, colouring competitions, cricket match and much more.
Where: Turkey Beach Community Hall, Worthington Road, Turkey Beach
When: January 26 from 7 -10am
