Having a day off work because it’s a public holiday would no doubt be on a lot of people’s lists, especially those who don’t have to go to work.
Others would put our “national day’’ on the same sacred level as Fourth of July in the United States of America or Bastille Day in France 10 days later.
Personally I am a bit uncomfortable with it, but not because January 26, 1788 pales into insignificance when put up against basically an “independence day’’ for the other two.
But the fact that our big day is different from anyone else’s is just another reason why it’s so special and should be retained.
It’s different in that the First Fleet landed peacefully in Port Jackson that day in 1788, and the rest is history.
Another aspect I find interesting is that Australia Day has been strongly embraced by many of the post-World War II migrants who came here from every corner of the planet.
I know many who organise old fashioned Aussie barbecues of steaks and sausages for January 26 and invite their friends and relatives around for the day to celebrate their good fortune to have made their new home in the Lucky Country.
But to me one of the best things about Down Under is that after all is said and done we are very laid back people who look disaster in the face and say: she’ll be right, mate.
Not to mention mercilessly pulling each other’s leg from time to time or cutting down tall poppies, otherwise known as people who are up themselves.
My Top 5 reasons we should leave Australia Day on January 26 well enough alone:
Number 1. One of the few times you’d see a thong throwing competition. Believed to have been started by convicts who threw their thongs at prison guards!
Number 2. Citizenship ceremonies at thousands of places across the country – unique.
Number 3. As mentioned above, have a day off work.
Number 4. Great excuse to have a party.
Number 5. An excuse to only listen to great Australian music all day.
Happy Australia Day, everyone.
Don’t forget the thong harka