On January 26 th, Australia`s National Day, celebrations were held across Australia and about 13,000 people were sworn in. But for some, it was a day of mourning, and protests took place in many places.
Celebrations held everywhere
Sydney Balangaru holds a first Nations ceremony Wugulora, to celebrate Australia`s National Day. (SBS Photo)
In Sydney, hundreds of people gathered on the grass of (Barangaroo), Balangaru, where aboriginal smokes were held. In Melbourne, a large number of people took to the streets waving Australian flags to watch the parade. In Hobart, Tata, Sandy Bay (Sandy Bay), holds citizenship ceremonies and traditional Australian barbecues, as well as some interesting activities such as bagging. On the beaches of Kunzhou, people came to the beach early to play, even the heavy rain did not quench their enthusiasm. Keynes Nurse Teresa (Cheryl Treloar) and colleagues went on a night shift before walking a kilometer in the rain to take part in a free breakfast on the beach. "there are only once a year on Australian National Day," she said. "We are proud of being Australians, so we come to the event as soon as we get off work."
There`s also a naturalization ceremony in Antarctica.
Mr Tam today issued naturalization certificates to a number of new immigrants in Canberra,. (SBS)
For tens of thousands of people, it makes sense to choose Australia`s National Day as a member of Australia. In Canberra, the capital, 32 people from 19 countries attended the naturalization ceremony, presided over by Australian Prime Minister Tembo (Malcolm Turnbull). Speaking at the naturalization ceremony, Tan said: "Australia is a country that embraces diversity. We do not define our national identity by race, religion, or specific culture, as many other countries do." (defining our national identity) is a common value. "
At the Sydney City Council`s naturalization oath, 24 immigrants from 14 countries were sworn in as Australian citizens. These include a family from New Jersey, a couple from Croatia and a psychologist from Papua New Guinea.
Anna Wikario (Ana Vicario) and Thomas Wikario (Thomas Vicario) came to Australia from Croatia five years ago and immediately fell in love with Australian culture, food and people. The Wikario couple said, "how can you not love it?" People of different ethnic groups and traditions meet here and live happily ever after. " In Antarctica, far from mainland Australia, Plumber Barrell (Terry Barrell), a British plumber, was sworn in as an Australian citizen. He said he had hoped to become naturalized before leaving for Antarctica, but had not realized his long-cherished wish in the South Pole.
Thousands of people protested on the Day of aggression
The image of Captain Cook in Melbourne was damaged. (Sydney Morning Herald)
Since January 26 is the anniversary of the arrival of the first Fleet in Australia, many people regard it as "Day of aggression" or "Day of Survival". As a result, many municipal councils, businesses and aboriginal areas did not celebrate, and thousands of people took part in the Day of aggression protests.
At protests outside Melbourne`s parliament building, gatherers dressed in aboriginal flags or T-shirts with the words "unhappy January 26" called for a rescheduling of Australia`s National Day.
In (Redfern), Sydney`s aboriginal district, more than 3000 people gathered in Block, where there were slogans of "genocide" (No Pride in Genocide).
Outside the South Australian parliament building in Adelaide, 300 people also took part in the protests. Roy Ah-See, one of Prime Minister Tan`s aboriginal advisers, said that National Day was not a day for the indigenous people to celebrate, and said, "We like parties. Unfortunately, it`s not the right day for the aborigines of Australia. "
