Australia Day

From foster carers to vaccine rollout coordinators, directors, musicians and police chiefs, Australians from all walks of life are included in the list.

I love the children," Mrs Rugendyke said. "It is encouraging to see an increase in diversity in the Order of Australia." The high of 48 per cent was a slight increase from the 47 per cent set last year. Academic and historian Jenny Hocking, best known for her work on the Palace Papers, was appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM). The singer-songwriter, who died in 2022, was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) for his work in the performing arts, as well as efforts in Indigenous rights and reconciliation. The head of the national vaccine rollout, Lieutenant-General John Frewen, was appointed as an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO).

Whether through celebration, commemoration or protest, millions of people across the nation will mark the 235th anniversary of Captain Arthur Phillip landing at ...

Meanwhile, Invasion Day or Survival Day rallies will be held in all capital cities, providing a visual reminder of opposition to the public holiday. Deloitte, KPMG, CSL and other large companies have allowed employees to work on Australia Day and take a day of leave at another time, as part of their flexible cultural leave arrangements. "On Australia Day, we celebrate how fortunate we are to live in the greatest country on earth. Festivities in Sydney will begin at dawn, with a projection on the Opera House by Kamilaroi woman and artist Rhonda Sampson acknowledging the important role of women around the waters of Sydney Cove before Phillip's 1788 arrival. "We do however work hard, look out for each other and are not afraid to take on the big challenges." Since that day, and made stronger by the ongoing history, traditions and cultures of Indigenous people, Australia had become a country to be proud of, Governor-General David Hurley said.

Australia Day has not always been celebrated on January 26, and the meaning of the date has been contested historically and today.

If the date of Australia Day was to change, there’s no clear alternative, although some argue that if Australia becomes a republic, that should be the new date. Civic rituals like the Australian of the Year (first awarded in 1960) helped give January 26 a national focus. For all their wisdom, it could be argued the constitution writers did Australia a disservice by having the Commonwealth form on January 1, 1901. But for many First Nations people and their allies, it’s considered “ [Invasion Day](https://www.commonground.org.au/articles/australia-day)” or “Survival Day”. Throughout the 19th century, January 26 was a celebration of Britishness held by people who largely identified as Australian Britons. The 150th anniversary in 1938 was celebrated nationally but also saw First Nations declare the date to be a “ It continued to be held in July for the remainder of the war. January 26 marks the day the British flag was hoisted at Sydney Cove. But some objected to January 26 on the grounds it was focused on New South Wales. [stopped holding citizenship ceremonies](https://www.9news.com.au/national/australia-day-citizenship-ceremony-window-widened-ban-overturned/bc76fadf-d39a-443b-ae8d-1b4a119a70cc) on the date. However, even after Federation in 1901, the primary national holiday was not January 26 but “Empire Day”, celebrated on May 24. For others, it’s a painful reminder of the beginning of British colonisation and the dispossession of First Nations.

It's just the day in 1788 when the ships carrying convicts from England decamped from Botany Bay to Port Jackson because it was a better spot. They had landed a ...

She continued: “For many First Nations peoples, Australia Day is a painful reminder of discrimination and exclusion. Those who feel uncomfortable about celebrating “invasion day” could instead toast Australia’s first people on the day before. Thirty years later, we now note which Aboriginal lands we’re standing on when we start speeches and events, and often include a Welcome to Country from an elder at many ceremonies. But Governor Bourke in Sydney declared the deal invalid and turned the place on Yarra River into Crown land, dispossessing Batman and the Kulin tribes. They had landed a week earlier, but the place was nothing like the nirvana James Cook and his botanist Joseph Banks had described. It would bring together honour and empathy, remembrance and celebration.”

A quiet trailblazer at the top of the Australian Public Service has been recognised in today's Australia Day Honours. A…

The late Ms Connee-Colleen, for service to the community of Queanbeyan. David RUGENDYKE, for service to the community and to children. An active member of the referendum engagement group, she supports the Voice to Parliament. Philip Andrew GREENWOOD, for service to the not-for-profit sector, and to the community. Garth SETCHELL, for service to the community through a range of roles. Barbara BAIKIE, for service to women’s affairs, and to the community. “It’s so much tougher because you’re dealing with people you know, their families. Professor Kiaran KIRK, Dean of the ANU College of Science, for significant service to science education and research, and to professional organisations. Peter JENNINGS PSM, for distinguished service to the development of strategic and international policy, and to public affairs. Gregory James HOOD, for distinguished service to the national transportation and aviation industries, and to the not-for-profit sector. Katrina FANNING PSM, for distinguished service to the Indigenous community through education and health initiatives, and to sport. In academia, Dean of the College of Science at the ANU Professor Kiaran Kirk was made a Member (AM) for significant service to science education and research, and to professional organisations.

At least 11 Greek Australians have been named by the Governor General today in the Australia Day 2023 Honours List.

Alexandra Vakitsidis was born in Lemos, Prespa in the Florina region of Greece and came to Australia at the age of 17. Throughout her 21-year career, she has been instrumental in the rehabilitation of offenders who need psychological and therapeutic help for Substance Abuse Disorder. The Greek Australian is also a Council Member of the University of South Australia since 2017, and has been a member of the Community Advisory Committee at the Special Broadcasting Service since 2017. Mr Xydas has been the Chair of DoricGroup since 1989 and is a former President of the Australian Institute of Building from 2001-2002. She has also volunteered for 30 years at Our Lady Star of the Sea. Pauline Maniskas’ service to the community of the Central Coast in New South Wales has been more than important. She’s also been a former President of the Berwick and District Tennis Association. She has held influential positions at the Greek Children’s Choir in Victoria and the Greek Florinian Choir, while also educating for the last 20 years. “I feel very humble as there are so many wonderful volunteers on the Central Coast and beyond that do tireless work in some difficult circumstances. I am humbled that people around me thought highly of my contribution over so many years and considered me worthy for nomination.” “Congratulations to the outstanding Australians recognised in today’s Honours List. At least 11 Greek Australians have been named by the Governor General today in the Australia Day 2023 Honours List.

Outstanding public servants have been recognised among a list of 1047 Australians for their distinguished and conspicuous service.

Templeman was previously a long-time public servant with the Department of Defence (1968-2002). A total of 45% of these honours were also given to Australians for service to local communities. Hunt also served as the CEO of Lotterywest and Healthway from 2019-2021. The only way a person can be recognised is for someone to nominate them.” Vicki Manning (pictured) was also recognised on the COVID list for her role in leading the NSW Health Emergency Operations Centre COVID-19 known as SHEOC. The CEO of Novo Nordisk Foundation Centre for Stem Cell Medicine — reNEW (affiliated with the University of Copenhagen) was a senior principal research fellow with the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) from 2014 to 2022. Between 1999 and 2005, Reynolds chaired the Commonwealth Human Rights International Advisory Committee, and she presently serves as the Australian national president of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom. Professor Melissa Little was also named in the highest category of honours for her service to medical research through pioneering contributions to regenerative therapies for kidney disease. He was appointed to head the Federal Court in 2013 and has been a member of the This honour is awarded for the highest degree of service to Australia or humanity at large. [Commonwealth Magistrates’ and Judges Association](https://www.cmja.org/) since 2019. Dawson served as the inaugural CEO of the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission from 2016-2017 and is a former director of the Australian Institute of Criminology.

It was on January 26, 1788 that the First Fleet carrying settlers from the British Isles arrived at Sydney Cove. Not only was this a defining moment for ...

Yet that work in progress can only reach its goals by embracing modern Australia, rather than by attempting to override its character as if to be seeking revenge for perceived and actual wrongdoings of the past. Even as those who wish to continue celebrating our country’s birthday on its actual date, we must for the sake of fairness acknowledge that this is not an irrational line of reasoning. The fact that millions of aspiring individuals and families from all ends of the earth have chosen to call Australia home for a better future is itself proof that what happened on January 26 235 years ago was the first episode of a success story worth celebrating for generations to come. The fact this large and relatively under-utilised island continent would have such a rapid transition towards industrialisation in less than a century and manage to be up and running as a modern democratic country underpinned by the rule of law and an egalitarian way of life remains something of a miracle. Not only was this a defining moment for Australians of all stripes, the occasion has since proven to be a defining moment for the entire world. Our national work in progress can only reach its goals by embracing modern Australia on January 26, rather than by attempting to override its character as if to be seeking revenge for the wrongdoings of the past, writes Dr.

Staying in Canberra for a moment, and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will soon preside over a ceremony to mark 23 new Australian citizens from nine countries.

who indicated to me that when they were young, when they were a teenager, they ended up across the road from where I grew up, in the Children’s Hospital due to an eating disorder. This is a gracious and generous offer to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as our first peoples.” In footage of the incident, viewed by this masthead, four police officers can be seen forming a line between the white supremacists and ceremony attendees. She was hospitalised for a period of time. For some, it was just a stop off before moving on to the Invasion Day demonstration at Belmore Park in inner Sydney. We’re the only country that doesn’t have a treaty with our First Nations people,” she said. I received a text message from a friend of mine who’s a lifelong friend, someone I grew up with … “And I say this: If not now, when? The duo met at Federation Square this morning and exchanged numbers. “My dad died while serving in the army, he was 46. Some of Sydney’s most iconic spots, like Bondi and Cronulla, “Why did they stop the parade?

First Nations NRL superstar Preston Campbell, inclusive education champion Dr Rhonda Faragher, and visionary festival producer Cathy Hunt are among the list – ...

Queenslanders are encouraged to nominate members of their community for an Order of Australia throughout the year – to ensure high achievement, professional contributions and charitable pursuits are justly recognised and celebrated. “At a national level, I’m also pleased to see more women being recognised for their contributions, with this year’s list including the highest percentage of female Order of Australia recipients in an honours list since the introduction of the Australian honours system in 1975. “To be recognised on this esteemed list means each of these incredible Queenslanders have made an indelible mark on the social and cultural fabric of this country.

Whether it be racing ferries, aerial acrobatics and 21-gun salutes or simply hosting some friends for a barbie, official and impromptu events marking ...

On the Gold Coast, a citizenship ceremony at the Home of the Arts at Evandale will be followed by live entertainment, food trucks and fireworks. It is a recognition that it is a very difficult day and allows that grieving and that mourning for Aboriginal people in this country," he said. "The continuing success of our nation depends on a balanced recognition of those who have cared for it for millennia, those who have built and protected the modern nation and those who have joined us and continue to join us adding their culture skills and contributions," she said.

As the people of Wellington joined in the national anthem, singing of being "one and free", the Australian...

"It's a good first start. "Council has the intention of making a day to talk about how wonderful it is to be in this nation," Mr Dickerson told AAP ahead of the event. "If we can be one of the first to mark invasion day on a different date, it's going to make us come together even more." "People still want to be celebrating being Australian, but not on a day that reflects a lot of trauma for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people," she told AAP. Ms Ah-See said the change of date was a relief for many in the community, which has overcome tragedy and hardship in recent years. As the people of Wellington joined in the national anthem, singing of being "one and free", the Australian and Aboriginal flags were raised in unison.

Researchers, a '90s NBL player, a celebrity chef, a concert promoter and a songwriter-musician who was able to bridge divides have been recognised in the ...

The percentage of female recipients grew slightly in 2023, up two percent on the previous year to 48 per cent. Within this space, we experience the very best of humanity.” “Community, collaboration and connecting with people through food is what motivates me. Member of the Order of Australia (AM) Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) Companion of the Order of Australia (AC)

The prime minister has met with Indigenous elders for a smoking ceremony as official Australia Day commemorations kick...

But support decreases among younger age groups. Invasion Day or Survival Day rallies will be held in all capital cities, providing a visual reminder of opposition to the public holiday. It was followed by a smoking ceremony at Barangaroo, held for the 20th year to celebrate the culture and language of Indigenous people. Deloitte, KPMG, CSL and other large companies have allowed employees to work on Australia Day and take a day of leave at another time as part of their flexible cultural leave arrangements. "Joining our Australian family, joining us as proud citizens of the greatest country on earth and joining us as partners in the ongoing task of making it greater still," he said. Governor-General David Hurley said Australia had become a country to be proud of since that day, one made stronger by the history, traditions and culture of Indigenous people.

Official commemorations kicked off with a flag-raising ceremony at Government House, hosted by acting Premier Jacinta Allan and Governor Linda Dessau.

"It's hard to watch a handful of outliers hijack the rally and attempt to destroy the most significant opportunity we've had to create meaningful structural change at a federal level by fuelling the 'no' campaign against a voice to parliament," he said. Demonstrators around the country chose "treaty before voice" as the theme of their rallies, reflecting a push back against a planned referendum on constitutional recognition and a voice to parliament. A 21-gun salute will take place at the Shrine of Remembrance and afterwards the Roulettes will take to the sky for an air display above Melbourne.

Nationals MP Matt Canavan says we should include a question on the date of Australia Day at the Voice referendum. Mr Canavan told Ben Fordham on 2GB he is ...