Gegründungstag Australiens3 Fotos

#### Foundation Day in Western Australia Foundation Day is an official annual celebration in one-third of the territory of Australia. This is precisely the area occupied by Western Australia, Australia’s largest state, which is particularly renowned for being the only state in the country that does not observe daylight saving time during the summer and winter. Officially, Foundation Day is observed on June 1st, but traditionally, the festivities and the day off from work take place on the first Monday of June. Residents of Western Australia place great importance on their history and are well aware of their roots. This is precisely because they have a dedicated Day to commemorate their origins. On June 1st, 1829, the first settlers on the western coast completed their long journey from Britain to the Australian continent, arriving at the colony established along the Swan River. They came aboard the Barque Parmelia, under the command of Captain James Stirling. Due to strong winds, the settlers were unable to land for several days and could only observe their new home from the water. Although they officially landed later on, June 1st has become the symbolic date marking the beginning of Western Australia as a separate entity. In the same year, Perth, the state’s largest city and fourth most populous in Australia, was founded. Today, Australians celebrate Foundation Day on the first Monday of June to extend their weekend. Another important aspect of this celebration is the encounter between two cultures: the ancient, indigenous culture that had existed for tens of thousands of years in this region, and the relatively new culture brought by settlers from various parts of the world. Over the years, people from all over the globe have flocked to Western Australia in search of their “Promised Land.” The first settlers were mainly English and Irish, but soon Italians and Greeks also arrived. In the mid-20th century, Germans, Dutch, Croats, and Macedonians began settling there as well. Later on, people from Southeast Asia and South Africa joined them. Each group of settlers contributed something unique to Western Australia’s cultural heritage, shaping its rich and diverse identity. Today, Western Australia is a melting pot of nearly 2 million people from 200 different nationalities, speaking 170 languages and practicing nearly 100 different religions. On Foundation Day, Australians pay tribute to those who came before them and express their gratitude to those who are currently living and working in the state, helping to build a brighter future for everyone. The most prestigious honor in Western Australia, “Resident of the State of the Year,” is awarded on Foundation Day. Additionally, a grand Foundation Day Ball is held at the State Government Building, attended by the governor himself. This national day of pride is also marked by festive concerts, gun salutes, meetings with veterans, and various artistic and cultural events.