IF the mood of the nation has changed over time, putting a finger on exactly how is not always easy. Australia Day is one measure. Twenty years ago next Saturday, we marked our bicentenary with a re-enactment of the voyage of the First Fleet, culminating in its arrival in Sydney Harbour on Australia Day, a visit by Prince Charles and princess Diana, Aboriginal protests and grumbles from around Australia that the celebrations were too focused on Sydney. We would not contemplate including either of the first two in Australia Day events today. The occasion has taken on a broader significance than the anniversary of the first British settlement or invasion or survival day, as some indigenous people have preferred to call it, writes Mike Steketee.
Aust 21 Jan 2008
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