Happy Australia Day [Archive]

Suzy_A

26-01-2008, 01:00 AM

For those who don't know our Nashinull Anthumb - and that's about 99.999% of the Orstrayleehuns, 'ere it is...

I particularly like the bit where it says about the Sons of England, Scotia, Erin's Isle should rouse to arms like sires of yore To guard our native strand; Shou'd foreign foe e'er sight our coast, Or dare a foot to land, and that Brittannia's sons in fair Australia's land Still keep a British soul!

All stand please...

Advance Australia Fair

Australians all let us rejoice,
For we are young and free;
We've golden soil and wealth for toil,
Our home is girt by sea;
Our land abounds in Nature's gifts
Of beauty rich and rare;
In history's page, let every stage
Advance Australia fair!
In joyful strains then let us sing,
"Advance Australia fair!"

When gallant Cook from Albion sail'd,
To trace wide oceans o'er,
True British courage bore him on,
Till he landed on our shore.
Then here he raised Old England's flag,
The standard of the brave;
With all her faults we love her still,
"Brittannia rules the wave!"
In joyful strains then let us sing
"Advance Australia fair!"

Beneath our radiant southern Cross,
We'll toil with hearts and hands;
To make this Commonwealth of ours
Renowned of all the lands;
For those who've come across the seas
We've boundless plains to share;
With courage let us all combine
To advance Australia fair.
In joyful strains then let us sing
"Advance Australia fair!"

While other nations of the globe
Behold us from afar,
We'll rise to high renown and shine
Like our glorious southern star;
From England, Scotia, Erin's Isle,
Who come our lot to share,
Let all combine with heart and hand
To advance Australia fair!
In joyful strains then let us sing
"Advance Australia fair!"

Shou'd foreign foe e'er sight our coast,
Or dare a foot to land,
We'll rouse to arms like sires of yore
To guard our native strand;
Brittannia then shall surely know,
Beyond wide ocean's roll,
Her sons in fair Australia's land
Still keep a British soul.
In joyful strains the let us sing
"Advance Australia fair!"

duncan

26-01-2008, 01:07 AM

Three bloody big cheers for SUZY Hip Hip hooray!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well done Suzy cause i for one didn't know all the verses.
Cheers ,
Duncan:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup ::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

fringe_dweller

26-01-2008, 01:37 AM

avagoodone australia! and its good citizens :thumbsup:

citivolus

26-01-2008, 04:51 AM

Happy Australia Day from another recent new citizen of all of 4 months :)

AJames

26-01-2008, 06:19 AM

:hi:Happy Australia Day to My Fellow Australians!
May Our Spirit Under the Southern Cross Never Set On Our Shores!!
Aussie, Aussie, Aussie. Oi! Oi!, Oi!
:)

Ric

26-01-2008, 11:09 AM

:gday:Happy Australia Day everyone, hope you all have a great day.

And for all those with clear skies tonight, there will be at least 5 minutes compulsory viewing of our great icon THE SOUTHERN CROSS
:astron:

Cheers all :lol:

leon

26-01-2008, 12:18 PM

Yes Sir, Mr Ric !!!!, We will do our duty as you have commanded, ;) have a great day people :thumbsup:

Leon :thumbsup:

maksutover

26-01-2008, 12:56 PM

Happy Aus Day 2u ALL!
btw i just checked the sun and its glorious on this auspicious day!

Cheers!

Omaroo

26-01-2008, 12:57 PM

Yes, happy Australia Day everyone :thumbsup:

A big one for us today - it's also Jenny's mother's 60th, so the whole family is off to a professional photography salon to have proper shots done for her. Oh joy...:doh:

Might have to shave.... :(

gary

26-01-2008, 01:21 PM

Happy Australia Day!

And remember to support Australian designed and manufactured products. :thumbsup:

Best Regards

Gary Kopff
Managing Director
Wildcard Innovations Pty. Ltd.
20 Kilmory Place, Mount Kuring-Gai
NSW. 2080. Australia
Phone +61-2-9457-9049
Fax +61-2-9457-9593
sales@wildcard-innovations.com.au
http://www.wildcard-innovations.com.au

Bobj

26-01-2008, 01:48 PM

Today, 26th January, Australians celebrate the birth of our nation from the most humble of beginnings.
The First Fleet consisted of six convict ships, three store ships, two men -o-war ships with a total of 756 convicts (564 male, 192 female), 550 officers/marines/ship crew and their families.
The six convict ships were:

The Alexander
The Charlotte
The Lady Penrhyn
The Friendship
The Prince of Wales
The Scarborough

Other ships of the Fleet were:

H.M.S. Sirius
H.M.S. Supply
The Fishburn
The Borrowdale
The Golden Grove

The planning of Britain's colonisation of New South Wales was not the best. British gaols were overcrowded with petty criminals and convicts were no longer able to be sent to America as a result of the American War of Independence. It was decided to establish a Penal Colony in the lands of New South Wales which was discovered by Captain James Cook in 1770. The supply of women's clothing was left behind in Britain, which naturally caused problems until the colony was up and running.

The voyage itself also had it's own troubles. Some of the convicts on Scarborough attempted a mutiny which failed, there was also a second attempt of mutiny later in the voyage which failed. Captain Arthur Phillip, who was in charge of the Fleet on its 15,000 mile voyage, reported that there was only 23 deaths on the journey. (Phillip, the first Governor of NSW from 1788 - 1792).

It was these convicts, guilty of petty crimes that were the result of trying to survive the conditions of England at the time (eg stealing a loaf of bread), that were the pioneers who - through hard work and perserverence, made the colony survive and expand to the stage of self sufficiency.

Happy Birthday, Australia.

GrahamL

26-01-2008, 06:32 PM

1778 ?... Our history is much deeper and richer than this anniversary
We all walk this land thats been lived in for 10's of thousands of years.
I'm very humbled to share this great country with all who live in it.

have a great day :)

edwardsdj

26-01-2008, 06:38 PM

Happy Australia Day everyone :)

xelasnave

26-01-2008, 06:48 PM

It is so good to see everyone reflecting on our magnificent Nation:thumbsup:..its landscape and its people, and the wonderful fact we have so little history of war..like Europe for example..and no major battles on our land...that enables us to be more confident somehow...we are not stuck in the crap so many other Nations have had from year dot...and when you think of the contributions of Australians world wide, and all our achievements you can not but feel so proud:thumbsup:.
AND we have the best sky as well..the center of our Universe passes above us and yet others never will see it.
Happy Australia Day to all:thumbsup:

alex:):):)

wavelandscott

27-01-2008, 09:23 PM

Sorry to be a little late to the party.

Happy Australia Day!

My family and I went on a Sydney "holiday" for the festivities celebrating 1 year of citizenship. The kids had a nice time as we wondered around Circular Quay and Darling Harbour taking in the sites and sounds of the special day!

DJVege

30-01-2008, 09:35 AM

Hope you guys had a great Australia Day! We were very Aussie...beer in hand, snags on the Barby! :)

omnivorr

30-01-2008, 10:50 AM

quote Suzy_A
"I particularly like the bit where it says about the Sons of England, Scotia, Erin's Isle should rouse to arms like sires of yore To guard our :Pnative :P strand; Shou'd foreign foe e'er sight our coast, Or dare a foot to land, and that Brittannia's sons in fair Australia's land Still keep a British soul!"

a concise summation of the "White Australia Policy" there...:rolleyes:

...even the less obnoxious third verse is routinely a blindspot in "Nationalists" vision:( "For those who've come across the seas " ....(solong as they're Anlo-Celtic...or err..we need someone - a lil' more "olive"-shade-of -white to dig a collosal hydro-scheme )

.
&..only nightstalker acknowledged the first Australians:sadeyes:

Somehow, I'm a little less than impressed with this thread.
....it's all a bit like chocolate Easter eggs... take off the tinsel and you get a thin layer of sugar-laden fat surrounding a void, ....the encapsulation of childish self-congratulation at being so "lucky", whilst ignoring the call of "the message".

Happy Easter to all! (gettin' in early- since I missed "Invasion-day")

(as did some of my anscestors, ..arriving on the "2nd fleet")

p'haps something to think about while you pack your 'Qan Sheng' into your 'Toyota' to go to 'Massacre Creek' for some dark skies ;)

Cheers
Russ

fringe_dweller

30-01-2008, 11:46 AM

black armbander guilt tripper @ 12 oclock :D I think you are being melodramatic guys - hope you enjoyed your 'happy long weekend day'!
I have second fleet ancestry too, free settlers as well.
Oh thats it lets all feel ashamed and get out the sackcloth and whipping birch for self flagelation, it might remind us of the old days, the whipping part anyways.
granted It is weird to celebrate the brutal horrendous circumstances that the early 'australians' found themselves in. i always think of some absolutely horrific stories like of the first womens prison ship were the women were secretly forced to be pimped all the way to oz at every port possible, by the private company employed to do so, privatised prisons even then!, so as to make a little extra money along the way - and the horrific conditions they arrived in, down in the hole swimming with dead bodies purtifying liquid - some drowning even after all that, as they were just tossed overboard into the water and if too weak/sick they just died/drowned.
ah memories

fringe_dweller

30-01-2008, 12:34 PM

anywayz for youse that just dont seem to get it!? - australia day is about the future not the past :thumbsup: here's to an incredible future :)

fringe_dweller

30-01-2008, 01:14 PM

and as they say 'the past is another country'

also who else loved nick caves script/movie 'the proposition' thats awesome could watch that over and over, sooo accurate - poor whites (specially of irish descent) werent treated much better than the indigenous people - he captures it well i think, that scene when aurthur burns says

From The Proposition (2005)
Samuel Stote: What's a misanthrope?
Two Bob: A misanthrope is a bugger who hates every other bugger.
Samuel Stote: Are we misanthropes?
Arthur Burns: Lord no! We're family.

lol should be part of the citizenship test to watch that

and 'the tracker' and 'rabbit proof fence'

AJames

30-01-2008, 01:56 PM

Russ.
I felt really sad when I first read this post, then was very angry at the audacity and ignorance wantonly displayed here. :mad2: This was not because of the real importance of fixing the rights or wrongs of the original Aboriginal people in Australia, it is not because they were displaced from their original lands, nor even the treatment or decimation their population - by disease or injustice :sadeyes:- it was about attacking us celebrating this country that we all desire to live in peace and come together as a one unity peoples of this wonderful island continent.

In the 17th Century the view of the world was much different than it is today. People saw that distant lands as places needed for expansion and development, and so they occupied the lands like Australia and the South Pacific. Were it the English or even the French, rightly or wrongly, they set up Colonies. These people did not have the same sensitivities or sensibilities
as we do today, who viewed the world and it peoples as requiring adoption of "civilisation."
Now whether, as in Australian case, the settlement of the Europeans was an "invasion" is debatable because they didn't see it that way. History may determine an interpretation a different view, but this face you throw at us smacks of bigotry and hatred at best. What you call the "White Australia Policy" here is wrong, because there is no suggestion by anyone here that the Aboriginal people are not important nor should be discarded as any part of Australia. The underlying suggestion you make here is frankly quite repulsive.:mad2:
You quote by Suzy_A

This refers more to the rivalry of the foreign powers overrunning Australia. After the British lost there colony during the American Revolution in 1776, there was a fear that there other colonies might have been under threat. This continued into the 19th Century.
For example, at the time of the French, were real rivals, and if it were no for the ill-fate voyage of Capt. La Pérouse, whose two ships (Boussole and L’Astrolabe) were lost in a cyclone around the beginning of April 1788, we would probably be speaking French.
Later between the 1860's and the 1880's, there were fears of a Russian invasion - both military and by settlers - occupying Australia for there own.

Really, the quote you refer has nothing to do with any racist slur at all, it refers to the need of patriotism among the British to keep Australia under there control and interest.

As Inge once said; "A nation is a society united by a delusion about its ancestry and by common hatred of its neighbours."

Frankly, the past is the past, and while it is important to respect history and attempt to right the wrong-doings and decisions of our ancestors, today and the future is the only way be can move ahead. So whether we celebrate Australia Day on 26th January, Easter or today, in the end it means bugger all, and certainly means no hint of any superiority of one Australian over the other.

To dare suggest this is related to the abhorrent adaptation of "White Australia Policy" is deeply offensive. :mad2:

Andrew

NOTE: Perhaps we do need something new like the "Spirit of the Southern Cross", in which we adequately describe celebrating the diversity of the all the current Australian population - the Aboriginal included. It is the view of adopting the best of all cultures and definite us for who we have become - and will come.
Our flag has centrally has the Southern Cross as its symbol. It knows no race or prejudice, but shines with pride equally on all of us. If that's all you ever recognise on Australia day, then that should be enough.

AJames

30-01-2008, 02:03 PM

I was born here, I will probably die here, and I will probably be buried here. The essence of me is bound in this place. I had no choice in my origins, but was placed here by chance and fortune, and my actions implant my now imprinted spirit on this land. I also share an origin with others who have arrived in a similar way.
In history, if I ever amounted or contribute to something in this world, it will be attached with my own species, name and place of origin.
This is at the centre of what is meant by being Australian.

fringe_dweller

30-01-2008, 03:41 PM

hear hear Andrew - yep that sayin 'dont ya know there is a war going on' applies so well to that era, that little **** napolean springs to mind also

on brighter note, I celebrated aussie day/w/e by buyin a second hand 'Donmo' tri-cone 'rustbucket' 100 yr old? galvinated iron/steel? from rainwater tank, rolled flat, with aussie woods, ie mulga fretboard!!! complete with target practice .22 bullet holes in back!! how cool is that! by Adelaide hills resonater maker Don Morrison - oh yeah resonators are american delta you say - well the dopyera brothers were from slovania! i got one of theres too :)
aussie enguinity at its best :thumbsup:

oh yeah and its fricken awesome :eyepop: eat your heart out national!

xstream

30-01-2008, 04:56 PM

I'm proud to say I'm a descendant of one of the 564 male convicts (William Marriner) sentenced to 7 years for theft and arrived on the Alexander. His partner in crime Thomas Gearing sentenced to life for the same crime died on the journey out.

omnivorr

31-01-2008, 05:17 AM

point one:
""
quote Suzy_A
"I particularly like the bit where it says about the Sons of England, Scotia, Erin's Isle should rouse to arms like sires of yore To guard our :Pnative :P strand; Shou'd foreign foe e'er sight our coast, Or dare a foot to land, and that Brittannia's sons in fair Australia's land Still keep a British soul!"
a concise summation of the "White Australia Policy" there...:rolleyes: ""

"Advance Australia Fair" is not a product of the 1700's world-view, it is the nationalistic rhetoric of late 1800's .. eg "The Bulletin" banner "Australia for the Whiteman".... a time of particular hostility towards Chinese, and of course , the classification of Aborigines under the "Flora and Fauna Act".
Regrettably, in my view, that song reeks of it.

My second paragraph: "...even the less obnoxious third verse is routinely a blindspot in "Nationalists" vision: ("For those who've come across the seas " ....(solong as they're Anlo-Celtic...or err..we need someone - a lil' more "olive"-shade-of -white to dig a collosal hydro-scheme ) "
seems to've been passed unremarked. It refers to things in living memory for many of us anyway.

That is as far as any reference I made to the "White Australia Policy" went.
I chose to point out that the "National Anthem" has embedded in it those views of that time. Suzy_A highlighted those parts, no doubt because they induce a warm feeling of belonging for her, and fair enuff. I merely point out that they were written with an underlying agenda.

Point two: I noted that amid the gratulations being expressed only one contributor mentioned those here before-during-and-after "the arrival" being celebrated.

I could also have noted that the few who joined in with pride of becoming Citizens (by effort and by choice) garnered no welcome reply.

Why am I disappointed with the thread? ...because it clearly demonstrated the unconscious exclusionism the day actually represents.

"Australia" Day is a misnomer.
it's really British Colonisation Day.

I offered the Easter egg metaphor as a clue to my intention.. that looking a lil' deeper might reveal the lack of substance behind the name.
Like Easter there's more to it than tinsel and comestibles.

It's not "black armband" history. It's unblinkered history.

All the fun and feeling good is important, but a lil' sober reflection to balance helps us avoid the pitfalls. A lesson one can learn from observing the extreme example provided by Germany... a rational people seduced by a Nationalist "Spirit".

One of the great virtues Australians can celebrate about this nation is the freedom of speech ...I've used it here .. my way of celebrating it and defending it. Silence is assent.

Thanks for your responses, particularly AJames. I hope this reply makes clear that I was not attacking anyone, nor denigrating the celebration of our nation... I was observing that as happens with such things, a lil gravitas to balance the leavening prevents it all just becoming fairy-floss.

Cheers
Russ

edwardsdj

31-01-2008, 11:03 AM

Unlike the United States Constitution (first ammendment), the Australian constitution does not guarantee any right to free speech in this country :(

I also find it amusing that the Australian constitution is an act of the British parliament.

The version of "Advance Australia Fair" adopted as our National Anthem in 1984 was heavily modified to remove a lot of the stuff large parts of the Australian population would find irrelevant or offensive to them. I could be wrong, but I don't think the reference to the Southern Cross appeared until the early 20th century.

omnivorr

31-01-2008, 11:32 AM

Exactly my point Doug :)

It's also the fact that the Act of British Parliament that declared/established the Commonwealth of Australia took effect Jan 1, 1901.. the first day of the C20th ...not Jan 26 ;) not 1788.
Cheers
Russ

fringe_dweller

31-01-2008, 11:44 AM

ok, this thread wasnt some sinister prelude to the invasion of poland, the australia I know is mostly about hedonism, not navel gazing, its all about 1% of the population - soo the logical conclusion is all lets pack our bags and leave - hope omni and suzy will set the example for all? and be first to go back to their country of origin
or alternatively we can go on skulking about living like guilty parties and pretend oz is some giant mining camp, and stay in our atco's? which is it?

fringe_dweller

31-01-2008, 11:49 AM

lets call it the 'holiday that none dare utter its name'

edwardsdj

31-01-2008, 11:51 AM

Australia Day has been celebrated since the early 19th century. Long before the Commonwealth of Australia was established. I guess people didn't see the establishment of the Commonwealth of Australia as that important.

Heck, the Commonwealth was established as an act of the British parliament, we have the British flag taking up 1/4 of our own and I remember when I started primary school (in 1979) for the first few years we sang "God Save the Queen" at assembly (few knew the words, we just used to mumble).

It's a shame that people don't trust our politicians (with good reason) and consequently don't trust them to mess around with this stuff to form a republic. The foundation of a republic would be something to celebrate :). For historical reasons we are stuck with being an independent British colony :(

fringe_dweller

31-01-2008, 01:44 PM

Doug, ANZAC day is the de facto 'independence day' at this stage - most celebrate that as the 'birth of a nation'

and really, scratch a LOT of aussies ancestry, and to use an old politically incorrect term,would have a 'touch of the tarbrush' my missus is 1/16th Maori, i grew up in a family with a step father who was 1/4 south sea islander/chinese, and have half brothers and sisters from him - and this wouldnt be unusual i would imagine for a lot of people, they just kept it quiet back then. were not as pure white as some think maybe - and that would jealous europeans?

31-01-2008, 02:16 PM

It saddens me to see that we just can't start a thread to wish each other a happy "whatever" day without it turning into a Political Correctness lesson of sorts.
It's the same with the usual "Remembrance Day" thread and other such threads.

Shame really.

matt

31-01-2008, 02:31 PM

Totally agree, Andrew.:sadeyes:

If only I'd known the thread was going to take such unexpected twists and turns...:shrug:

Ric

31-01-2008, 06:00 PM

Hi Matt & Andrew, I think the clouds have to go away and we all then go out and do some imaging and de-stress. ;) I've noticed that a lot threads have started out lately in one direction and ended up on a completely different tangent.

Matt, how was your first year as an Aussie? :thumbsup:

Cheers

Suzy_A

31-01-2008, 06:33 PM

Looks like I helped stirred the pot a bit by putting up the full 'Advance Australia Fair'!

I'm usually very proud to be an Australian - note that I said 'usually'. I'm not when Ozzie Yobbos start shouting out 'Ozzie Ozzie Ozzie, Oih oih oih!' and then beat each other to death with cricket bats (being careful not to spill their beer.)

It's amazing that when I'm overseas, my accent often changes a bit as I'm often so embarrassed by the Ozzie Ozzie mob.

Anyway, I digress a bit. Or maybe a lot. The reason that I put up the full AAF is that few people know what it actually says in it's entirety and I think that many people find it offensive, or at least not exactly what they expected.

Anyway, I hope that everyone did have a great ... what did we decide to call it - Australia Day? Invasion Day? Citizens' Day? Piss-up and Fireworks Day?

p.s. as for Easter Eggs being sugar flavoured fat, what's wrong with that? My two favourite foods are sugar-flavoured fat (chocolate, chocolate ice cream, chocolate cake etc) and salt-flavoured fat (chips, pizza, avocado and vegemite sandwiches, cheese, etc)

Glenhuon

31-01-2008, 06:40 PM

Must admit I was quite dissapointed by the Australia Day celebrations here in Coota. We went down to the oval about 10:30am to find everyone packing up and going home.:sadeyes: The rest of the day was like another Sunday. Would have thought there would have been more enthusiasm for the "National Day".
I shouldn't be surprised really, back in 1988 if it wasn't for a certain Scots non-citizen the Bicentenial Bonfire in Geraldton WA would have been a sausage sizzle by the girl guides.:rolleyes:

Bill

AJames

31-01-2008, 07:19 PM

Firstly, it saddens me :sadeyes: greatly to have too totally condemn some of the biassed views that has been expressed here. I honestly feel so utterly frustrated and disgusted - especially on the day that should be expressing unity of every Australian - in which we all should be rightfully proud. I was going to write a hostile response, but instead, I wish to make a open general statement on the difficulties some are having in responding to reactionaries within threads like these. (and hopefully some grace and understanding by the moderators)

Some expressed views by others are very clearly just plain and simple forms of bigotry, enacting out by some self-appointed demogogue - meaning one who is seeks support by appealing to popular desires and prejudices rather than by using rational argument.
The classic responses of any bigoted person, is that it is better to be bigoted against a totally imaginary or historical group of people than against real people living at the moment.
It is amazing to me that those who are the most bigoted among us always hide behind their rights of "free speech", using the concept to protect their own intimidating or contentious views.
Indeed, it is actually a kind of censorship, because the sole aim is to entice negative responses by others - often in an attempt for a reactionary or view that will cause divisive issues. It directly works on the fears of speaking out so they are exposure to the wraith of authority (in this case, the moderators.) Here those who oppose bigotry find they are both confused and disempowered.
In the end, we all lose, because no one has the desire to express the issues in fear of walking the tight-rope and facing possible retribution or sancitions against them - blackmail by stealth.

It is as Carl Pwccaman said;
"The question is how to assess instances of domination and how to respond. Responding to a dominator/instigator can itself be portrayed as dominating, instead of as a response to an implied or direct threat. Without sympathy for the one who is threatened, and without withdrawing sympathy from express bigots..and the like, judgment will be skewed against us.
There is no equality, here. Bigots...will skew judgment if we are trying to be relativistic to the extent that we validate their position as just as valid as others."

The problem in counteracting these reactionary tendencies or views, is how to stand-up to those who are making the threads environment for the bigot against the scapegoat(s), while in turn trying to keep some preservation of expression, true freedom of speech, against arguments or ideas - even though they might be unpopular.

(NOTE: This is the core problem among blog sites throughout the world.)

There is no clear cut answer here, except that responding to bigotry is both understandable and sometimes necessary - where it is necessary to draw some line in the sand.

The danger is tolerating bigotry. (extending to bullies and various other intimidators).

Clearly, the only means of counteracted such tactics is by the solidarity of our peers.

matt

31-01-2008, 07:52 PM

Hi Ric.

Technically...my first year as an 'Aussie' doesn't tick over until April 27.

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=19592&highlight=citizenship&page=2

The first 9 months have been great, though:)

It felt good to go through the ceremony, and all the lead-up to the big day.

The process was enjoyable. It really forced me to think about what I was doing and why? In a lot of ways I think it forced me to spend more time thinking about Australia and what it means to me than a lot of Australian-born 'Aussies' spend doing the same. And I don't mean to offend anyone by saying that.

I'm glad I made the decision. I'm glad I made a choice and a commitment. I am proud to be counted among Australians.

I've lived here 24 years. This is my home.:)

Ric

31-01-2008, 11:23 PM

Hi Matt, I fully understand what you mean, It is sometimes to easy for those of us who were born in Australia to take it for granted and I say that with no disrespect to anyone.

I have my parents citizenship certificates framed and on the wall in our study and for me it is always a reminder of what a great country Australia is and why people from all around the world want to be a part of it and help shape its future as well.

Cheers

AJames

31-01-2008, 11:25 PM

No. Wrong. The words here are NOT the current National Anthem of Australia. The version presented by Suzy_A was written by Peter Dodds McCormick, and was first performed by Andrew Fairfax on 30th November 1878. The version was amended and sung by a choir at the inauguration on 1st January 1901. The National Anthem in its present form - is only the 1st and 3rd Verses - and were modified to meet modern sensibilities. This was done and officially sanctioned in April 1984.

1) The "National Anthem" - as you point out - in fact does not have "written with an underlying agenda."
2) The official Australian National Anthem today has nothing to do with the "White Australia Policy"
3) The words are about unity not about any "agenda" or division.

The actual "official" National Anthem is;

Australians all let us rejoice,
For we are young and free;
We've golden soil and wealth for toil;
Our home is girt by sea;
Our land abounds in nature's gifts
Of beauty rich and rare;
In history's page, let every stage
Advance Australia Fair.
In joyful strains then let us sing,
Advance Australia Fair.

Beneath our radiant Southern Cross
We'll toil with hearts and hands;
To make this Commonwealth of ours
Renowned of all the lands;
For those who've come across the seas
We've boundless plains to share;
With courage let us all combine
To Advance Australia Fair.
In joyful strains then let us sing,
Advance Australia Fair.

This is blatant bigotry, and is just as offensive as your "White Australia Policy" slur.

No. The British found the Colony of New South Wales NOT Australia. Australia as a name was not official adopted under 12th October 1817 by Governor Macquarie, and in fact referred to the whole Continent.
Australia Day is mostly about the future - something you obviously can't see - in fact it is the exact opposite of what you say I.e. conscious inclusion. Again, Australia Day is about unity not about any "agenda" or division. No one in this thread here, but you, has suggested otherwise.

Funny, I thought it was about the death by crucifixion by someone about 2000 years ago. I must of missed something... ?

If there were ever reactionary statements it has got to be this. The ignorance and plain stupidity of these statement are quite reprehensible.
You might as well start burning our Australian flag and exterminate the dissidents.
When I said;
"Perhaps we do need something new like the "Spirit of the Southern Cross", in which we adequately describe celebrating the diversity of the all the current Australian population - the Aboriginal included. It is the view of adopting the best of all cultures and definite us for who we have become - and will come.
Our flag has centrally has the Southern Cross as its symbol. It knows no race or prejudice, but shines with pride equally on all of us. If that's all you ever recognise on Australia day, then that should be enough."

The implication of comparing some simple stirrings of nationalistic feelings shown on Australia Day to the manifestos of criminal scum of the fascist Nazis of Germany is utter nonsense. You implication here is distasteful in the extreme.

If you believe "Silence is assent", then why don't you just practice what you preach.

Right, you are "not attacking anyone" you are just seemingly gone out of your way just in insult them.

Being a Australian citizen is a privilege and bears his or her the responsibility to cohesion of the whole community. It involves learning from past mistakes, correcting the wrongs, and working together to make a better future for everyone - including you. Australia Day is a reasonable means of expressing true pride and unity of our Community, no more no less.

AJames

01-02-2008, 02:27 AM

This was first sung by 10 000 choir at the time of Federation, when the 3rd verse was changed. It was done so that as the then adopted Australian Flag displayed the Southern Cross. It has remained as the 2nd verse of 1984.
My information I have says the verse was created in July 1899.

If ISS members are interested, the story of the Australian Flag, and icons associated with the Southern Cross appear on my Webpage at ;
http://au.geocities.com/ariane2au/PageSCross003.htm

This is the trial version before official, and thanks to Russ, with now be complete by the end of this weekend at "Southern Astronomical Delights." - including now a page on Australia.

Note: History and Legends of the Cross appear on the page before at;
http://au.geocities.com/ariane2au/PageSCross002.htm

Note: The stars on the flag were formally ratified on the current Australian Flag the by the Australian Federal Government as the first legislation passed [Act 1] in 1954. This was the same year as the Queen was coronation.

AJames

01-02-2008, 03:16 AM

Sorry to hear this. perhaps you should inject some enthusiasm in your local community, and even approach you local members of State and Federal Governments for support and promotion.
I think the fear of many Australians is that expressions of national patriotism has been viewed as being somewhat as too pretentious, though this is slowly changing. Traditionally, I think Australian have been humble people, who stir in national pride by introspection being resolute determination and the 'fair go'. I also think that most do not want to show obsessive patriotism like the Americans, which is mainly a great turn off.
On Australia Day, I went as saw my local State member give a speech on what it means to be Australian, we sang the National Anthem - both verses - which was given also on a printed sheet (See Attachment) and we listen to her speak. What made me more feel proud is that the local member is the first Aboriginal State Minister, who rode on a 76% majority in the last election - the third highest in New South Wales.

My view is that Australia Day should be nothing to be afraid or ashamed of (as others here try to elude), and that we should stand together as a nation both proud of its achievements and towards our more hopeful glorious future.

So, what I would do in Coota (nice place) is consider to become involved in the process, and become a participant rather than a by-stander. As an amateur astronomer, you at least known where the Southern Cross is in the night sky. Perhaps by just showing it to neighbours and friends, might just inspire them to do the same thing and think of their own Nation!

Regards,
Andrew

NOTE: IMO, after the Federal Government has apologised to the Aboriginals for the Stolen Generation, all Australians should then embrace a new spirit of inclusion of every Australian person regardless of race or origin, to solitary goal of improving our whole society to become an even better nation. A suggestion would be a gift like an Australian plant, like a few gum leaves, a native plant, or flower passed from one Australian to another. This would symbolise our goal of an inclusive society, and entice the recognition of the plantation of more hardy plants against the land often subjected to drought. It would also symbolise our commitment to carbon emission reductions.

AJames

01-02-2008, 03:53 AM

We should all be very proud of this enactment - as it was just another stepping stone is the rise of Australia as a nation. The reason is that the Colonies established by the British were formed together as a nation, being subject as a dominion of the British Empire - later to become the Commonwealth. This was no "established" connotation, but the desire and pride for all Australians. So although this might appear pointless, deem as minions by some, it was first step towards independence of country and nationhood - along with much hope and promise. This Dominion ended in 1931, as the "Statue of Westminster", but the effect of this was not adopted until 1942 - when Australia became isolated by Britain during WWII - under the threat of the Japanese and the fall of Singapore. This also allowed new military alliances with non-British powers, like the United States.
Australia become a nation in 1901, under its own pride of its sons and daughters, to have some autonomy and helped moved Australia forwards. This pride became the focal point of nationalism in Australia, which greatly helped the England survival by the heroism of the ANZAC's in the next decade.
It was from then Australia, instead of Britain, that forged the date and nature of Australia Day. At first, Australia Day was seen as meagre in comparison from Empire Day or Commonwealth Day, which was held on the 2nd Monday in March. Slowly this has evolved to today's 26th January, and likely will eventually conclude with total independence of the Republic of Australia. This will be quite unlike the nationhood of many other countries of the world as our country will have come to be without revolution - by mutual agreement and slow evolution.
When this day eventually comes will probably become the next Australia Day - and regardless of its date - we will be proud and nationalistic as we arebecoming today.

So, so what if Australia was once a Dominion of the British Empire.
Past is Past, Now is Now!
I am Australian - and damn proud of it!

Andrew