Do you know what the significance of January 26 is? It is the date of Captain Arthur Phillip's landing at Port Jackson (present-day Sydney), claiming Australia for the British Empire.
It has now expanded from a small New South Wales commemorative day into a national holiday, to celebrate the joy of living in a country with rights not freely awarded to citizens of other countries, as well as to recognise unsung heroes at the Australian of the Year Awards 2013. Finalists include Sally Pearson (Olympic champion), Sergeant Dimitrios (Jim) Bellos for being a community champion as cross-cultural liaison officer and Paul Stanley (anti-violence campaigner) to name a few.
Pic from Vicki Nunn
Australia Day is also a reflection of the diversity and tolerance in Australian society, a day where people of different cultural backgrounds, political views and religious views come together to rejoice the Australian way; with festivals and barbeques under the warm and inviting sun.
There has been great publicity about the large Australia Day event held in South Bank and a few of the celebrations in Moreton Bay. However, if you live out West or South and don't want to travel too far, see below for a few activities held your way. In the spirit of being down-to-earth and embracing the kinship of "mateship", grab your family and friends and enjoy some of the many events held around your neighbourhood.
1) Mooroka
Place: Pegg's Park, Koala Rd, Moorooka
Date: 26/01/2013
Time: 8:00 am – 1:00pm
The Mooroka Lions Club is organising an action packed family fun fair with community awards at 9:00 am and a Citizenship ceremony from 9.30am – 10.30 am to welcome the new Australians to the community. If you have active kids, they will love the free fairy floss, amusement rides, face painting, animal far, jumping castle and pony rides. They will think Christmas has come round yet again! You can also try your hand at the annual "Peg Throwing" competition or watch the interesting interactive reptile show while chilling out to some live music and Bollywood dancing. There are plenty of food and drink stalls set up as well.
2)
Ipswich Council Area
Place: Ipswich Public Swimming Pools
Date: 26/01/2013
Time: 10:00am – 4:00pm
The Ipswich City Council is organising a family fun day at several venues to keep you cool on a hot summer's day. Take the opportunity to visit a nearby swimming pool for free entry on Australia Day! Free lucky draw prizes to be won at each venue. Venues include the Bundamba Swim Centre at Brisbane Road, Bundamba, Goodna Aquatic Centre at Brisbane Terrace, Goodna, Rosewood Swim Centre at Railway Street, Rosewood and Georgie Conway Leichhardt Community Swim Centre at Toongarra Road, Leichhardt
3)
Logan
Place: Village Green, 30 Wharf Street, Logan Village.
Date: 26/01/2013
Time: 8:00am – 1:00pm
If you live in Logan, bring your whole family along to enjoy a fun-filled day with country music from The Logan Beaudesert Country Music Club, amusement rides and market stalls with snacks and goodies. It's a good opportunity to support your local Logan community this Australia Day.
4)
Slacks Creek
Place: Slacks Creek Soccer Club, Usher Park, Daisy Hill, Slacks Creek
Date: 26/01/2013
Time: 3:00 pm – 10:00pm
Usher Park is located not too far away from Logan and would be a great continuation to the morning festivities at the Village Green if you are not ready to call it a day.
5)
St Lucia
Place: Great Court, University of Queensland, Sir Fred Schonell Drive, St Lucia.
Date: 26/01/2013
Time: 2:00 pm – 4:00pm
If you are a student and don't want to venture far from St Lucia, why not go back to university to celebrate Australia Day at the Great Court. It is open to the general public for $5 or $2 for UQ students. Organised by the UQ Republic Club, it is more of an outdoor celebration with pizzas, volleyball and badminton games as well as raffles and mystery prizes.
6)
Goodna
Place: Shiloh Christian Church, 72 Redbank Plains Road, Goodna
Date: 26/01/2013
Time: 6:30pm
Free screening of Red Dog, a 2011 Australian family film with Rachael Taylor and Josh Lucas. At the 2011 Inside Film Awards Red Dog was nominated in nine categories and won seven, including Best Feature Film; a good way to unwind after an exciting day out in the sun at one of the many outdoor Australia day festivals.
