Australia Day3 photos

Foundation Day is an official annual celebration in one-third of Australia’s territory. This is precisely the size of the country’s largest state, Western Australia, which is particularly known for being the only state that does not switch to daylight saving time during the summer and winter. Officially, Foundation Day is observed on June 1st, but traditionally, the festivities and weekend celebrations take place on the first Monday of June. Residents of Western Australia hold their history in great esteem and know their roots better than anyone else—precisely because they have a dedicated day to commemorate their origins. On June 1, 1829, the first settlers on the west coast completed their long journey from Britain to the Australian continent, arriving at the Swan River colony. They arrived 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 had to observe their new homeland from the water. Although they officially landed later on, June 1st has since become Foundation Day for the people of Western Australia. In the same year, Perth, the state’s largest city (and the fourth most populous in Australia), was founded. Today, Australians celebrate Foundation Day on the first Monday of June to extend their weekend. Another aspect of this celebration is the symbolic blend of two cultures: the ancient, indigenous traditions that have existed for tens of thousands of years in this land, and the relatively new cultural influences that have come from various parts of the world. The earliest settlers were English and Irish people, but soon Italians and Greeks also arrived on the coast. In the mid-20th century, Germans, Dutch, Croats, and Macedonians began settling in Western Australia, followed by people from Southeast Asia and South Africa. Each group of settlers contributed something unique to the region’s centuries-old heritage, helping to shape the vibrant and diverse culture of Western Australia today. Today, this state is home to nearly 2 million people of over 200 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 live and work here today, working together towards a brighter future. The “State Citizen of the Year” award, Western Australia’s highest honor, is presented on this day. At the State Government Building, a grand Foundation Day Ball is held, hosted by the governor himself. For everyone who considers Western Australia their home, this day is also marked by festive concerts, gun salutes, meetings with veterans, and various artistic and cultural events.