Australia and Its People
PART 1: Australia and Its People
The Citizenship Ceremony requires new citizens to do the following:
- Pledge loyalty to Australia and its people
- Know Australia's community, heritage, and history
- Understand Australia as a multicultural and unified nation
- Learn about the states, symbols, and traditions
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Peoples
- Aboriginal Peoples lived in mainland Australia & Tasmania (for 65,000–40,000 years).
- Torres Strait Islander Peoples lived on islands north of Queensland.
- Both, Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders:
- Are the oldest continuous cultures on Earth.
- Have a deep connection to land, creation stories, art, and dance.
- Have 100+ Indigenous languages.
- Cultures are central to Australia’s national identity.
Early European Settlement
- “First Fleet” (11 ships) arrived from Great Britain on 26 Jan 1788.
- Start of European Settlement.
- At this time British laws were harsh => Overcrowded jails.
- Many convicts were sent to the new colony of New South Wales (NSW).
- Captain Arthur Phillip was the first governor of the colony of NSW.
- Early free settlers came from Great Britain & Ireland.
- In 1851, a “Gold Rush” began when gold was discovered in New South Wales and Victoria.
- People from around the world came to make their fortune.
- The first large non-European migrant group was Chinese.
- In 10 years, Australia’s population more than doubled.
The Nation of Australia
- In 1901, separate colonies were united into a federation of states called the “Commonwealth of Australia”.
- Australian Constitution formed Parliament, Government, & High Court.
- In 1901, Australia’s population was about 4 million (excluding Indigenous peoples).
Post-1901 Growth
- In 1967, a referendum changed the Australian Constitution to include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in the official population count.
- A wave of large non-British migration came after World War II.
- The diversity of Australia’s population has increased over the last two centuries.
Language
- English is Australia’s national language (also a part of national identity).
- Essential for work, community, & participation.
- Australia is a multilingual nation (100+ Indigenous languages valued).
Australia’s States & Territories
- Australia is a federation of 6 States and 2 Mainland Territories.
- Canberra is Australia’s capital city.
- Each state and mainland territory has its own capital city.
- New South Wales (NSW) - Sydney
- The first colony to be established.
- Sydney is the nation’s largest city.
- National Icons - Sydney Harbor Bridge and Opera House
- Victoria - Melbourne
- Smallest of the mainland states.
- Many fine buildings in Victoria were built from the wealth created by the Goldrush of the 1850s.
- National Icons - Melbourne Cricket Ground, the 12 Apostles, and the Royal Exhibition Building.
- Queensland - Brisbane
- It is the second-largest state.
- World-famous Great Barrier Reef runs along its eastern coast.
- It has tropical rainforests, temperate coastal areas, and dry inland.
- Western Australia - Perth
- It is the largest state.
- East of the state is mostly desert.
- South-west is a rich agricultural and wine-growing area.
- Home to many large mining projects.
- National Icons - Ningaloo Coast, Margaret River, and the Kimberley region.
- South Australia - Adelaide
- It has a rugged coastline and famous wine regions.
- It has many examples of fine colonial architecture.
- National Icon - Barossa Valley and the Flinders Ranges.
- Tasmania - Hobart
- It is the smallest state.
- Separated from the mainland by the Bass Strait.
- Much of the island has unspoiled wilderness landscapes.
- National Icons - Cradle Mountain, Port Arthur, and the Bay of Fires.
- Australian Capital Territory - Canberra
- Located between Sydney and Melbourne.
- Home to the nation’s capital city.
- National Institutions - Parliament House and the High Court of Australia.
- Northern Territory - Darwin
- The north of the state has a tropical environment.
- South has a dry red desert.
- National Icons - Uluru, Kata Tjuta, and Kings Canyon.
- New South Wales (NSW) - Sydney
Australian Traditions
Welcome to Country
- Performed by Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander custodians of the local region.
- To welcome visitors and to ensure they have a safe and protected journey.
- Includes songs, dances, smoking ceremonies, or speeches in traditional language or English.
- Usually the first item of proceedings to open an event.
Acknowledgment of Country
- To recognize that the gathering is on Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander land.
- To pay respect to traditional custodians, particularly Elders past and present.
- Anyone can deliver it.
- Usually delivered as part of the Welcome and Housekeeping at meetings and events.
Both Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country are performed to show respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Important days for Australians
Australia Day - January 26 (Annual public holiday)
- Anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet from Great Britain in 1788.
- Biggest annual public holiday in Australia.
- Acknowledges and celebrates the contribution of all Australians.
- Prime Minister announces the Australian of the Year Awards in Canberra.
Anzac Day - April 25
- Commemorates the landing in Gallipoli, Türkiye during World War I on April 25, 1915.
- Named after the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC).
- Honors all Australians who served and died in wars.
- A day of reflection, remembrance, and respect.
Australia’s flags
The Australian National Flag
- Colors: blue, white, and red
- Union Jack in the top left corner (represents heritage).
- Commonwealth Star (7 points), under the Union Jack, represents 6 states and territories.
- Southern Cross on the right (represents the southern sky).
The Australian Aboriginal Flag
- Colors: black, red, and yellow
- Top Half - Black: represents Aboriginal people of Australia
- Bottom Half - Red: represents the earth
- Center circle - Yellow: represents the sun
The Torres Strait Islander Flag
- Colors: Green, blue, black, and white
- Green Stripes: Symbolize the land
- Blue Panel (center): Represents the sea
- Black Lines: Symbolize the Torres Strait Islander people
- White Dancer's Headdress (center): Represents all Torres Strait Islanders
- White Star: Points represent the island groups in the Torres Strait; white color symbolizes peace
Australia’s symbols
Commonwealth Coat of Arms - Official symbol of the Commonwealth of Australia
- Represents the national unity.
- Identifies the authority and property of the Commonwealth of Australia.
- The shield in the center represents the six states and federation.
- A Kangaroo and an emu support the shield on each side (native Australian animals).
- A Gold Commonwealth Star sits above the shield.
- The background is the golden wattle (Australia’s National Flower).
Australia’s National Flower - Golden Wattle
- A small tree grows mainly in southern-eastern Australia.
- Has bright green leaves and many golden yellow flowers in spring.
- Each state and territory also has its own floral emblem.
Australia’s National Colours - Green and Gold (colors of the golden wattle)
- The uniforms of national sports teams are usually green and gold.
Australia’s National Gemstone - Opal
- According to Aboriginal legends, a rainbow touched the earth and created the colors of the opal.
Australia’s national anthem
Australia’s National Anthem - Advance Australia Fair (sung at citizenship ceremonies and sporting events)
- It represents:
- Unity (“For we are one and free”)
- Natural wealth (“golden soil”, “nature’s gifts”)
- Migration & inclusion ("boundless plains to share")
- Pride & courage ("hearts and hands", "Advance Australia Fair")
