Happy Australian Day Peter & All Aussies

[Liz]

I just read that today is Australia Day! Have a great day all of our friends from downunder!

Tell us exactly what it means - traditionally - and how you celebrate. Please. ;)

Liz

[another view]

Yes, and happy 1,000!

[Peter_AUS]

Thanks Liz,

Australia Day, is the celebration of the Birth of our Nation and we celebrate being Australian. There are people from each state and territories that have been selected as Australians of thier States, 8 in total and then the Prime Minister announces the Australian of the Year from them. There is also a Young Australian of the Year and Senior Australian of the Year.

Nicole Kidman was appointed New South Wales Australian of the Year and was in the running for the top honour, although she said to friend she was stunned that she had been nominated and really didn't want to be Australian of the Year, as she felt it was more important that it went to someone in the Humanitarian side, who had done more than she could ever do for society. Interesting from someone that actually works for a international organisation and is in her self a Hunanitarian as well. Her father was given an award today, Member of Australia, for Research into Breast Cancer.

They then represent Australian at special types of events, a bit along the lines of Miss Universe style of things.

The Australian of the Year this year is a Burns Doctor who developed a special process allowing skin to be sprayed onto the burn sites after debriding them and skin grows back. Having been involved in many burns cases in operating theatres I can tell you this is an exceptional process compared to the normal skin grafting process, which is appalling to watch being done. I'm not too impressed that she did get it for that, because she has a vested interest in the company that markets it as well, but then that is business isn't it.

There are also a lot of celebrations around the Sydney foreshore, Ferry races, boats saling on the harbour, Tall ships etc.

One of the biggest things that happens today as well is, many people take the oath to Australian and gain their Citizenship as Australians, which is a great time to celebrate for them.

I would probably compare Australia day to your 4th of July Celebrations.

Here is a link to a site that covers it a bit better than I could.

http://www.australiaday.gov.au/

[Peter_AUS]

You know I never even noticed that change over. And only took nearly three years as well.

[Lara]

Me too! Happy Australian Day Peter, and all our Aussie friends!

Liz, you're so observant. and thoughtful!

[Peter_AUS]

Liz knows I do the same thing with some of the USA celebration days as well, hence recipricating. But it is nice to be remembered as well, being a small part of these forums.

[Liz]

I'm only sorry I didn't notice until tonight. At any rate, thanks for all the information. It does sound similar to our July 4th celebrations. I love Patriotic celebrations!

BTW congratulations on the 1000th..........see I didn't even notice. ;)

We love ya Peter!

Liz

Liz knows I do the same thing with some of the USA celebration days as well, hence recipricating. But it is nice to be remembered as well, being a small part of these forums.

[natatbeach]

Congratulations on both...
;)