|
The
purpose of the 'Frequently Asked Questions' page is to provide answers
to the questions commonly received by the Australia Day Committee
(Victoria).
1. Why do we celebrate Australia Day?
Australia Day marks the anniversary of Captain Arthur Phillip unfurling the British flag at Sydney Cove and proclaiming British sovereignty over the eastern seaboard of Australia on 26 January 1788. On Australia Day, we celebrate what's great about Australia, celebrate our nation and our achievements and recommit to making Australia an even better place for the future.
2. What is the Australia Day Committee (Victoria)?
The Australia Day Committee (Victoria) is responsible for the Melbourne Australia Day activities and also assists in the co-ordination of Australia Day activities in Victoria in conjunction with local and regional Australia Day organisers. The Committee is affiliated with the National Australia Day Council.
3. What is the National Australia Day Council?
The National Australia Day Council (NADC) heads a network of Australia
Day Councils and Committees in every State and Territory. It is
responsible for the Australian of the Years Awards etc, Australia's
pre-eminent awards program which includes the Australian of the
Year, Young Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year
and Local Hero awards. You can contact the NADC on (02) 6273 8666,
email info@australiaday.gov.au,
or visit their website at www.australiaday.gov.au.
4. Why is Australia Day sometimes called Survival or Invasion Day?
For many years, the Indigenous people of Australia have reminded non Indigenous Australians that the white settlement of Australia brought great changes and difficulties, many of which still affect Indigenous people today. The Bicentennial celebrations in 1988 were a focus for Invasion Day activities. Today, most communities seek to involve all members of their community, including Indigenous members, in a range of activities and to ensure that everyone, including the first Australians, has something to celebrate and share on January 26.
5. How is the Australia Day Committee (Victoria) funded?
Australia Day in Victoria is supported by the Government of Victoria, by generous corporate supporters and also by a grant from the National Australia Day Council. The Australia Day Committee (Victoria) relies on the financial support of these organisations and supporters to develop a program of events that celebrates Australia Day and commemorates the historic significance of our National Day.
6. How are regional Australia Day activities organised?
Most regional Australia Day celebrations are co-ordinated by a centralised
local Committee established by the Council in that area. For information
on local community celebrations please contact your local council.
7. Can I get a grant from the Australia Day Committee?
The Australia Day Committee does not provide grants to other organisations.
8. Does the Australia Day Committee give teaspoons to babies born on Australia Day?
The Australia Day Committee runs the 26ers Club, for people of any age who celebrate their birthday on 26 January. You can join by writing to the Committee and sending proof of your birth date (eg a copy of your birth certificate or driver's license). Members receive a card and badge annually, and are invited to participate in the Melbourne events, including a birthday cake cutting ceremony.
The Australia Day Council (Victoria) which is a separate organisation, not established by Government but promoting Australia Day also, distributes celebratory teaspoons to babies born on Australia Day. You can contact the Australia Day Council on (03) 9859 5288.
9. How do I nominate someone for an Australia Day Award?
The Australia Day Committee does not directly manage Australian Honours or Awards. Contact the NADC for information on Australian of the Year Awards. Information on the Australian Honours system (Honours are announced on Australia Day and on the Queen's Birthday annually) is available on www.itsanhonour.gov.au.
10. How do I get the words of the National Anthem (or other Australian songs)?
The words of the Australian National Anthem are on this website (see home page). The words of the National Anthem and other popular Australian songs are on the National Australia Day Council website (www.australiaday.gov.au/pages/page55.asp).
Advance Australia Fair was composed around 1878 (date of the first public performance) by Peter Dodds McCormick. While the original lyrics had five verses, the official Australian National Anthem (adopted in 1984) only has two verses (verses 1 and 3 of the original, with some alterations to the original text to meet modern usage). For more information see www.hamilton.net.au/advance.html.
11. Can I get free flags from the Australia Day Committee?
The Australia Day Committee cannot provide free Australian Flags to the general public. We only work with official Australia Day event organisers. Community groups or organisations (not individuals) may request a free Australian flag from their federal MP, or a free State Flag from their State MP.
12. Where can I obtain further information?
For further information regarding Australia Day celebrations in Victoria, please contact the Australia Day Committee (Victoria) on (03) 9651 5174.
|
|
