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History and Culture of Australia

History and Culture of Australia

Images of Australia are often dominated by pristine unspoilt beaches, crystal waters, and eternal sunshine; its darker history of conflict often overshadowed.  The Dutch were the first to discover the country, pioneered by Willem Janzoon in 1606; consequentially the country obtained the name Nova Hollandia (Latin for New Holland) for 180 years, as given by Dutch explorer Abel Tasman.  Its history here on is a complex power struggle between Aboriginal Australians and European settlers, with navigator James Cook claiming the East coast of Australia for Britain in 1770 after his exploration of the area.  Between 1788 – 1934, conflict between the native Aborigine cultures and European settlers broke out in the Australian frontier wars; largely due to competition over resources.

26January 1788 marks the day that British settlers founded a penal colony at Sydney Cove; a date now known as Australia Day.  The area has since developed into the thriving city of Sydney; arguably the hub of Australia despite Canberra’s capital title.  The first 11 ships to arrive carried over 1,000 settlers and 778 convicts; a way of alleviating pressure on the overburdened crime system in Britain.  Penal colonies were founded at Norfolk Island, Queensland, New South Wales, and Van Dieman’s Land (present day Tasmania).  Within these, convicts were assigned work, with unskilled workers building roads, female convicts serving as domestic servants to the free settlers, and skilled workers given work compatible with their trade; stonemasons were particularly in demand.  

By the time of the final penal transportation in 1868, approximately 162,000 convicts had arrived on 806 ships.  Compared to a population of 30,000 in 1821, by this time the colonies’ population was at around one million.  The end of penal transportation came about due to the vast number of people who at this point needed to work in the colonies; they could sustain themselves and develop into the Australia we know today without the help of the convicts any longer.  The six colonies (New South Wales, Tasmania, Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, and Queensland) that had been established by free settlers and former prisoners were eventually united into the Commonwealth of Australia in 1901.  This marked a time of liberalism with free compulsory education, woman’s suffrage, the secret ballot, and pensions amongst other advantages.

Although the days of suffering are now over, its history is reflected upon annually on Australia Day.  Present day celebrations focus on the diverse and united society that is has become, with people from over 200 countries choosing to make Australia their home.  Official events such as outdoor concerts, community barbecues, sports competitions, festivals and fireworks are organised by the National Australia Day Council; the largest being the Perth Skyworks held over Perth Water attracting an audience of over 400,000.

Previous conflict between settlers and Aboriginal Australians led to very poor treatment of the latter even during the 20th Century; now representing less than 3% of the country’s population.  Out of respect, National Sorry Day was established in 1997 and is held annually on 26 May to commemorate Australia’s native people.  Although Aboriginal languages and culture have suffered in history, an effort is made to maintain what remains, and influences are evident in Australian culture.  Popular national sport Australian Football (Aussie Rules) is believed to be inspired by the rule of the Aboriginal game Marn Grook.

Culture tours are available in order to develop an understanding of the world’s longest lasting artistic, musical and spiritual traditions that the Aborigine’s hold.  Boat cruises around Sydney Harbour allow passengers to explore significant Sydney landmarks and learn the Aboriginal names and meanings behind them, such as the Opera House, where Aborigines used the land before its development as a place for ceremony, chanting and feasting.  Yabun Festival held in Sydney on Australia Day is the largest indigenous festival in the country, with music and art at the forefront of the celebrations.  An informative cultural programme is also part of the festival, with some of the most recognised Aboriginal figures holding discussion panels and speeches.

Its past, however turbulent, has helped shape Australia into the thriving country that it is today; a country on most tourist wish lists.  Although the nation has now taken a step back from the conflict and suffering once in place, a sense of respect and reflection is held through their various national celebrations in order to celebrate the success of what they have in the present day.  

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