January 2013
THOUSANDS OF WAYS TO CELEBRATE THIS AUSTRALIA DAY
15 January 2013
There are many ways to celebrate Australia Day, from participating in a public event, gathering with family and friends at home, or spending the day with a good Australian book and some classic Aussie music in the background.
However you mark our national day, take a moment to reflect on what you value about being Australian.
On Australia Day, celebrate in a way that suits you - here's some ideas to get you thinking about how you could spend Saturday January 26:
• Find all the celebrations near you by visiting www.australiaday.org.au
• Take a walk or picnic in your nearest National Park
• Research your family tree to find out your own Australian history
• Take part in an Australian Citizenship Affirmation Ceremony - many councils hold Affirmations along with Citizenship Ceremonies
• Understand your region’s Aboriginal history and culture – find out more about the Indigenous Australians of your area and their customs
• Volunteer to help at your local Australia Day celebrations
• Wear clothes by Australian designers
• Learn both verses of the national anthem (did you know the original version of Advance Australia Fair was written in 1878, but only officially proclaimed our national anthem in 1984?)
• Cook something classically Australian to share - lamingtons, damper, pavlova, a hamburger with beetroot
• Share a multicultural Aussie barbecue – invite your neighbours, especially those you’ve never met before and taste the many flavours that make up our nation
• Join the SES or the Volunteer Fire Brigade
• Visit a community event that celebrates the great diversity of cultures in Australia and share in the influences they bring to our country
• Ask the kids to draw their favourite thing about being Australian
• Know someone who’s become an Australian citizen this year? Throw them a celebration BBQ!
• Visit a rural area and take part in a country town's Australia Day celebrations
• If you're spending the day at the beach build a sandcastle in the shape of an Australian map, a Kangaroo or Koala, Uluru, a Waratah, a Cockatoo or any Aussie symbol you like
• Revisit our history - read a historic novel or visit your local museum
• Say thanks to our community volunteers when you see them
• Plant native flora in your garden - make sure it’s also native to your local area
• Talk with your kids about famous Australians, and get them to kids dress up as their favourite.
• Do you know your neighbours? Australia Day is the perfect day to say G'Day to those around you
• Sit down with your parents or grandparents and record the story of how they grew up in Australia or how they came to Australia.
• Nominate someone for the Australian of the Year Awards 2014 at www.australianoftheyear.org.au
• Held clean up your local area or environment - join a Landcare group to help save natural environments in crisis
• Whatever you do, share it with us - post your photos and experiences with us on www.facebook.com/CelebrateAustraliaDay
For more information about Australia Day events around the nation, visit www.australiaday.org.au
Ends.
For further media information or interviews with the National Australia Day Council contact:
Nicole Browne, Media Opps 02 9954 7677 OR 0414 673 762