Happy Australia Day!

We celebrated with many other community members both on Sunday, the actual day, and on Monday, the legal holiday. Australia Day technically commemorates the discovery of Australia by Captain Cook in 1770, so in that way, it’s similar to our Columbus Day. It’s patriotic in nature with people waving and wearing the flag, so in this way it’s very much like our 4^th of July. And it marks the end of summer vacation, so in that way it’s similar to Labor Day. The new school year begins next week for most area kids, and uni starts back in a few weeks.

Wearing the colors

On Sunday afternoon there was a celebration in the botanic gardens that felt very similar to the “Let Freedom Ring” ceremony in Chico on Independence Day. In addition to food, music, and flag-waving, 13 community members from five different countries of origin took their oath of Australian citizenship and local do-gooders were acknowledged as Citizens of the Year. Although we didn't  personally see any protests, I learned that sometimes this day is used as a reminder of the extent to which indigenous people were exterminated when Australia was colonized (similar to alternative Columbus Day celebrations).

Andy and Mayor Neoh enjoy running into one another in the park.

One of the local citizens recognized for his community service

On Sunday we celebrated our temporary status as Australians by having a few snags on the barbie with good mates. We really have some nice friends here in Warrnambool.

Andy modeling a gift from one of our friends

Kristian mans the barbie

On Monday we took a swim in the ocean and walked the beach with hundreds of other people soaking in what might be their last beach day of the summer. But it won't be ours.