What is Australia Day?

The meaning of Australia Day has evolved since its inception in the early nineteenth century.

Lamington Topped Cupcakes, from an Australia Day BBQ. Source: Getty Images

Australia’s national day has its roots in the country’s colonial past.

It marks the day when the First Fleet of 11 British ships sailed into Port Jackson with Governor Arthur Phillip raising the British flag in Sydney Cove on 26 January, 1788.  

Many Indigenous Australians regard it as ‘Invasion’ or ‘Survival’ Day. 

Preetinder Singh Grewal reports how the meaning of Australia Day changed over time? (Audio in Punjabi)