The Meaning Behind Our Public Holdiays
In Australia, eight national holidays are celebrated around the country on the same day. These are New Years Day, Australia Day, Good Friday, Easter Saturday, Easter Monday, Anzac Day, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. In most States, when a public holiday falls on a normal day off (generally a weekend), the following workday is considered a public holiday.
Australia Day
Australia Day is Australia’s national day, and is celebrated on the 26th of January in all states and territories. This day commemorates the landing of the First British Fleet in 1788 at Port Jackson by Captain Arthur Phillip, which began the English settlement in Australia. There will be lively concerts & the announcement of the Australia Day Awards, including the award for the Australian of The Year. The most spectacular firework is also on display at this time, which attracts a crowd of up to 400,000 people to the foreshores of Swan River at 8.30pm.
ANZAC Day
The courageous spirit of the ANZACs (Australia and New Zealand Army Corps) is commemorated on the anniversary of Australia's (and New Zealand's) first major military action during World War I. On this day, the Australian troops known as diggers landed at Gallipoli in 1915. Memorial marches are held all over Australia to remember and honour the more than 102,000 Australians who died during all wars as well as the many veterans who returned after bravely serving their country. Around 30,000 people will congregate at Kings Park memorial before sunrise to pay respect at the dawn service. If Anzac Day falls on a Saturday there is no holiday on the following Monday.
Labour Day
Labour Day celebrates the achievements of the Australian labour movement which brought down working hours from 12 hours a day six days a week to the current eight hours a day and five day working week. The first Labour Day parade was held in Melbourne on April 21st 1856. Labour Day holiday is different between each state because it was achieved on different days for each state.
Foundation Day
Foundation Day commemorates the foundation of the Swan River Colony in 1829. Officially June 1, but celebrated on the first Monday in June.
Easter
The days of Easter vary each year depending on the day determined by the Christian religious calendar.
Queen's Birday
Because of the celebration of Foundation Day, Western Australia is the only State or Territory of Australia which does not celebrate the Queen’s Birthday in June. The Governor of Western Australia proclaims the day on which the state will observe the Queen’s Birthday. Typically, this day falls on the last Monday of September or the first Monday of October. On this day, “Queen’s Birthday honours list” is released naming new members of the Order of Australia and other Australian honours.
Christmas
Christmas is observed on the 25th of December each year to commemorate the birth of Jesus.
Boxing Day
Boxing Day is an old holiday based on the tradition of giving gifts to the less fortunate members of our society. It is usually celebrated on the 26th of December, the day after Christmas Day.