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Happy Australia Day
26th January the day we celebrate our nation and our pride in it.
 There are lots of celebrations all around the country -- nearly every town has something happening on Australia Day, from the huge musical extravaganzas and fireworks in the cities, to the street BBQs held all over the country.
In Australia, we're either descended from convicts, immigrants or the indigenous people, and these facts have given us as a nation, certain traits which really do stand out:
1. We don't like rules
2. We don't like being told what to do
3. We'll fight for what is right
4. We just keep trying... and we just keep going ("little Aussie Battlers")
and
5. We'll do anything for a mate - even if we've only just met him/her
 The date of Australia Day has been under review for over 150 years. There are some good reasons for this:
Australia Day started as a commemoration of the arrival of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove in 1788, the hoisting of the British flag there, and the proclamation of British sovereignty over the eastern seaboard of Australia. Indigenous people and their supporters see this (justifiably, I'm sure) as a reason to change the date, because it certainly isn't a reason to cheer for the country for them!
The holiday in various forms and under various names has been held since 1808, when the Armed Corps overthrew Governor William Bligh (yes, the "Mutiny on the Bounty" Bligh, who was from all reports NOT a nice man!). This has come to be known as the Rum Rebellion, and was the only successful armed takeover of government in Australia's history.
Even though either of these "celebrations" may or may not be valid, the fact is, that what we are celebrating is the wonderful, huge and diverse country we live in, and being part of the community as it is today.
Before:
So, whether you're having a few tinnies around the BBQ or having a few tinnies at the pub or cracking an Australian bottle of red or white at the seaside-- I wish you a VERY happy day!
After:
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