Australia Day: A Milestone for New Citizens
Lizzie Caltabiano
As I stood by the Sydney Harbor on January 26th, I could sense the emotion in the air as thousands of people from all over gathered to show respects to their nation. Australia Day comes at a particularly sensitive time this year, as fires blaze across the Australian bush. New South Wales Governor Margaret Beazley used her Australia Day address on the harbor to reflect on the catastrophic blazes across the state. “Sadly, overshadowing everything at the moment, particularly on the eastern seaboard, is the catastrophic impact of the bushfires on the land and those who do walk on the land,” she said. Silence filled the harbor as images and videos of the Rural Fire Brigade, emergency service personnel, animals and communities affected by the bushfire crisis were projected onto the screens.
The bushfires have united Australians together this year, making it a significant time to be an Australian citizen. On January 26th every year, all across Australia, people gather to reflect on what it means to be an Australian and to take part in a meaningful ceremony. A citizenship ceremony is where one makes the Australian citizenship pledge, which for most people is their final step in the journey to becoming an Australian. The ceremony entails a formal introduction, speeches and an address before the pledge which is followed by the national anthem. Citizenship provides significant rights and responsibilities, including the right to vote, stand for public office, and travel on an Australian passport. These ceremonies can be held any time throughout the year, but January 26th is an especially popular day to choose to become a citizen, a day full of pride and patriotism. More than 16,000 people every year choose Australia Day to become a citizen. The day can be extremely emotional for many because the ceremony symbolizes the unity of the nation and the sense of belonging to a country that one has decided to make home. This year throughout the nation, 454 citizenship ceremonies were held, with a record 27,419 new Australians receiving their citizenship certificates. 51 of Australia’s newest citizens from 21 countries joined Governor Beazley and the navy crew onboard the HMAS Canberra and swore their allegiance to Australia on the Sydney Harbor.
Clips of a handful of the new citizens were displayed as they told their story. Dawn Francis, an SES volunteer from England said she was filled with joy to officially be a true Australian after living there for seven years. Samalie Mpagi Nakimera from Uganda found her second home in Australia, who acquired a dual citizenship to join her siblings in Sydney. “I love that I finally get to vote, and it feels like I have become part of this huge family Down Under. It is definitely home,” she said. For others, becoming an Australian citizen was about following their heart. Spanish-born David Corrochano Carril said in the clip, “Love was definitely the reason why I came to Australia and decided to stay here. Seven years later, we are married and have a little family.” The 21-gun salute and fast jet tribute concluded the ceremony that filled a sense of patriotism in all those gathered, even in me, a tourist.
Orange Peels and Australia Day
-Kelly Ewen
According to my tour guide Jenna, “If you look ahead, each of the shells on the exterior of the Sydney Opera House are a different shape, but they all come from one curve. If you were to peel an orange, the peels could resemble the shells of the 14 separate roofs of the Opera house. That’s exactly how Jorn Utson, the architect, got his idea.” At 450 feet above sea level– while cars and screechy trains rattled the steel infrastructure below my feet– all I could think about was an orange peel. I thought to myself… Utson was a genius.
The Sydney Harbor Bridge is an Australian staple. I had the luxury of spending Australia Day doting over the Sydney Harbour. While fellow Aussie’s boozed at Bondi and baked their complexions in a sunburnt country, I suited up and climbed the world’s largest steel bridge– the Sydney Harbor Bridge. To my astonishment, the smallest rush of acrophobia dissipated by the thought of orange peels and a clear view of Sydney.
Once my eyes could deviate from the Opera House and the surrounding beauty that Sydney embodies, the facade of the bridge lured me–more specifically, the beautiful stone pylon towers. Even though the towers are “more for decoration than support,” I wonder how could this 52,000 ton steel bridge supports itself?
Jenna’s voice went in and out of my attention zone as I tried to soak every moment of the view. As we crossed the top midpoint of the bridge, Jenna said, “we’ve had over thirty weddings take place in this exact location. Guys, imagine having your wedding up here, in a bridge climb suit?” Simple and memorable. Only a number of prideful couples have sought Sydney’s blessing in marriage. Kind of romantic, if you love Sydney.
When people think New York: they think Empire State building. When people think Paris: they think Eiffel tower. When I think Sydney: I think of the Sydney Harbour bridge, orange peels and Australia Day. To see pictures is one thing, but to stand on this monumental structure and admire the history of Australia is quite rewarding. Sixteen men died during the construction of this bridge so that people like myself can utilize and cherish the attraction. As an American citizen, I stood on the Sydney Harbour bridge this weekend with some Aussie pride. Whether a tourist or not, this holiday can unite everyone in Australia.
Tug and Yacht Ballet
By Allison Iodice
Svitzer Bondi, 400 tons and 23-meters long, slowly made its way up the Sydney harbor next to, Svitzer Waratah, 500 tons and 28 meters long. With the background soundtrack, “In the Hall of the Mountain King,” the crowd cheered and videotaped the ballet that was about to begin.
Ten yachts, four jet skis, and two tugboats started their synchronized routine right in front of the Sydney Opera House. This annual Australia day event attracts thousands of people to engage with the Australian sailing culture. The Australian blog platform, Museaum, says “Australians have set speed records, long-distance endurance marks, pioneered technology, created beautiful boats, designed and made hi-tech yachts, won Olympic gold and world championships.” The ballet presented the talent and pride the nation has towards its best sailors.
With weeks of practice, the boats and jet skis used vibrant colors, Australia day flags, and their years of experience to give the audience an unforgettable ten minutes. Thomas Johnson, an annual attendee of the ballet and a Sydney resident, says “I usually just BBQ in my backyard on the 26th, but for the past six years I have gotten here 45 minutes early to get a front-row spot.”
Starting in 2014, the yacht club, Eastsail, has coordinated the ballet. Eastsail is a major presence on the Sydney harbor. When looking out on the water, you are almost guaranteed to see one of their magnificent yachts sailing under the bridge. Home to some of the best sailors, Eastsail also is a storage dock for people’s boats throughout the year.
Tugboats are a major part of Sydney’s history and culture. With the first tugboats towage taking place in 1831. Tugboats are a way the city keeps commerce moving, but it also is a representation of the world wars that Australia was involved in. According to the Dictionary of Sydney, “Australian tugs served in the Great War with the newly-formed Royal Australian Navy and the British Admiralty.” Having tugboats involved in Australia Day events such as this one can be seen as a salute to the brave people who fought for the country, as well as a recognition to the world war tugboat captains.
The ballet is only a small piece of Sydney’s Australia Day itinerary, but it is one of the most memorable. The event took place immediately after the citizenship ceremony. The ballet acted as a celebration for the new citizens of the continent. People went into this event with happy tears in their eyes. The beauty of the event most likely kept the tears coming.
Jet Around Sydney Harbour
Sarah Lotito
My Australia Day did not exactly go as planned, but in the best way possible. I wandered the city soaked from the harbour water in my jeans and top. Wondering how I got here? Well lets back track for a moment.
Each year on January 26th, is the country’s official national holiday, Australia Day. This day is a day to celebrate what it means to be Australian and to reflect on the nation’s past and present.
Australians each have their different way of celebrating the holiday. Some favor backyard barbecues, spending time with family and friends, traditional aboriginal ceremonies or visiting special places like the Sydney Opera House or the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
The Sydney Harbour has many things to offer on Australia Day. Many tourists and locals crowded the Harbour for the variety of restaurants, shopping at the market, citizen ceremony and the boat ballet.
While walking around the Harbour I passed a stand called Thunder Jet and my immediate reaction was, “I am not paying 80 dollars for a boat ride around the Harbour when I could just walk.”
So, I continued exploring the city. The markets were packed with shoppers. The stands were filled with Australian emblazoned bags, magnets, coasters and so on. Oddly enough, many stands had extremely expensive jewelry, pearl earrings that cost $800 dollars.
Hot and dazed, I wonder the city in search of a restaurant to eat at. All were packed and only outdoor seating was available. Not exactly what my friends and I were looking for on a 100 degree Australian summer day.
Finally we found a cool, literally the A/C was blasting, pizza shop. Delighted, we engulfed some pies, cooled off then went about to keep exploring the harbour.
Ten minutes later we see a yellow boat speeding down the harbour, spinning around in circles, blasting music with people soaking wet. Then it dawned on me, Thunder Jet was not just a sail around the harbour. This was going to be an adventure.
We buy our tickets and next thing we know were equipped with large, bright purple ponchos. I think Scotty, our driver, favored us because he put us front and center.
We start our journey by Scotty giving us some rules, “you must follow my hand signals so I know you are holding on so you don’t get thrown out the ship, alright mates?” I was thinking to myself, should I be worried I can only doggy paddle?
Cruising down the river, we saw the Opera House and the Bridge. It was beautiful to see these huge works of art from the water.
As we got out further, things started to get fun. Scotty started playing “Life is a Highway” and before we knew it we were speeding down the river, on his command we yelled, “3, 2, 1!” Two seconds later the boat was at a complete stop and the waves of the river flowed into the boat.
We were soaked. Johnny from the back row yelled, “ Hey mate, I think I just swallowed a fish!” as he laughed.
This was only the beginning. Scotty continued to swerve us around the river, get us soaked, but then give us a one minute breather as he explained some history of the land marks around us.
Can you believe the apartments on the Harbour sell from $20 Million to $100 Million? I guess if I saw the Opera House from my bed I would spend that type of money too. If I had it…
After thirty adrenaline filled minutes we returned to the dock. We thanked Scotty for being the most fun part of our Australia Day.
Although I had to walk around soaking wet after that, it was definitely the most fun experience I had thus far in Sydney. Maybe not the conventional Australia Day, but definitely the most memorable.
Attending an Australia Day Pool Party— As an American
By Paige Boyadjis
“Happy Australia Day!” a group of young men shouted as they engulfed me in group hug and each planted a kiss on my cheek. Overwhelmed and excited, I half-heartedly cheered “Happy Australia Day” before following them to the backyard. Once I was poolside, Chelsea, a woman my age, gave me a hug and placed a fruity, Australian drink in my hand, and proposed a cheers, as if to formally initiate me into their group.
Australia Day comes each January 26th, marking the anniversary of the first arrival of British ships in New South Wales in 1788, as well as the beginning of what is now present-day Australia. Through the years, the meaning of Australia Day has evolved from a national commemoration into a day of mourning over the actions of colonizers. On January 26, 2020, most Sydney natives could be found celebrating with friends and loved ones, rather than marching through the city streets beaming with national pride. Indeed the current controversy over the public holiday has prompted Austalians to evaluate their role in the conflict and learn how to be proud of their country despite its dark past.
At the party, I sat with the guys as they drank beer and played in the pool. “The day has for sure changed,” Luke, the party’s host, told me when I asked. “It’s gone from us screaming out and filling up the streets to this,” he said, motioning to the party happening around him. “That’s why house parties with mates are the way to go!” Joey added. Through their smiles, it’s clear that they love their country, despite the shame associated with the genocide carried out in the past.
After some time, I moved to sit with the girls by the food and marvelled over their stories and jokes, while they asked me for recommendations for an upcoming trip to “the States.” When I asked if their Australia Days had once felt different, Chelsea told me that she can “remember sitting on her dad’s shoulders while they screamed the national anthem in the streets of Sydney.” Teegan added with a laugh, “now you can’t find anyone in the city today but tourists.” When I asked if this made them sad, all the girls shook their heads. “No… it’s better to be with the gals and guys anyways. Plus it’s nice to see people actually give a s*** about these issues,” said Chelsea with a laugh.
Empty cans were scattered throughout the yard, birds chirped in nearby trees, and Luke’s dogs searched the ground for fallen food. The guys played drinking games and took turns trying to throw the girls in the water. It didn’t feel much different than an ordinary pool party with friends. We ate burgers and chips, and sipped our fruity drinks with bliss. There was a silent but certain ambiance at the party— one of young adults trying to situate themselves in a centuries-long conflict. They don’t blame themselves or drown in guilt, but instead celebrate what they love about Australia while acknowledging what can still be better.
Hours passed and as I made my way to the door, Luke, many drinks later, caught me on my way out. “You know, Paige,” he started. “Some people have talked about celebrating Australia Day on May 8th instead.” He laughed, “because if you take the ‘M’ and the ‘eight,’ it’s ‘mate.’” He smiled, adding, “that’s what we are in Aussie and that’s what we all wanna be: mates.” As I walked out the door, I left the party with an undeniable hope that one day, they all would be.
AUSSIE TRAVELERS 