What is Australia Day - and why is it controversial?

Australians Celebrate Australia Day

Australians Celebrate Australia Day Source: Getty Images AsiaPac Cole Bennetts/Getty Images

The 26th of January is Australia's national day.


But what does Australia Day actually mark and what are the objections to it?

The 26th of January marks the day in 1788 when the First Fleet arrived in Sydney Cove, beginning the British colonisation of Australia.

Now commemorated with a public holiday, millions see it as a time to celebrate all that they love about being Australian.

But for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, it's a day of pain.

Across the country, tens of thousands of people spend the 26th of January participating in 'Invasion Day' events.


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What is Australia Day - and why is it controversial? | SBS Greek