[AJames]

Originally Posted by Glenhuon

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. 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.

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.