Australia Up Close Australia Day Recalls Pioneer Traditions By DARREN McLEAN	フレームで見る  英文をプリントする  脚注をプリントする
オーストラリア誕生を祝う 1788年1月26日は、イギリス人が初めてオーストラリアに上陸した日。それを記念して、毎年1月26日にはさまざまな記念行事が行なわれます。今年、記念イベントを見に行った筆者が、オーストラリア発見・建国の歴史を交えて、行事の様子を紹介します。

On the 26th of January, 1788, 10 British ships sailed into Sydney Harbor and placed the first British flag on Australian shores. More than 200 years later, on a sweltering summer's day, thousands of Australians gathered on Australia's birthday to celebrate Australia Day.

Australia Day is a proud day for all Australians as we celebrate our unique country and its traditions. In fact, Australia Day celebrations have grown to become a tradition in themselves.

The grounds of the Gold Coast City Council building came alive on the annual holiday for the biggest free regional event in the country. The day's entertainment provided something for all tastes and all age groups.

Australia Day focuses largely on the early pioneers whose courage and determination paved the way for the current Australian lifestyle. The woodchopping events were popular with the crowd, which watched in amazement as 32 of Australia's most skilled axmen chopped through 10 tons of Australian hardwood. Even though logging no longer requires axmen, the sport of woodchopping keeps this proud Australian tradition alive.

The center of attention, however, was the rodeo ring, which saw many thrills and spills throughout the day. Aussie cowboys, amateur and professional, tried their luck at riding bucking bulls and horses, some with more success than others. Nevertheless, it provided hair-raising entertainment for the entire audience.

When the audience was not watching the rodeo it was being amused with a host of hilarious competitions including thong throwing, egg throwing, pie eating and stilt walking.

An Australian heritage bush track was set up for those who wanted to take a trip back to the 1800s, when Australia was just a few small country towns and miles of undeveloped bush. Onlookers could see sheep shearers, blacksmiths and wood turners in action as well as many Australian customs such as damper making, wool spinning and even gum leaf playing.

Dave Phillips lives in a small country town in the Gold Coast hinterland, called Advancetown. He travels to the Australia Day celebrations every year. "In my opinion the Australian way of life is about honesty, hard work and mateship," said Phillips. "Australia Day celebrates these Australian qualities."

Australia Day commemorates the landing of the British First Fleet in Sydney Cove. The British flag was first displayed on Australian shores by our first governor and the captain of the First Fleet, Governor Arthur Phillip.

The first sighting of Australia by Europeans took place as early as 1605. Dutch sailors heading for Papua New Guinea traveled along the coast of northern Australia, not realizing they had discovered a massive continent known to Greek philosophers as the Great Southland. The Dutch sailors quickly turned back, however, as the coastline looked very barren and food and water supplies were minimal.

More than 150 years later, Australia was "discovered" by the British. Captain James Cook navigated the eastern and northern coasts of Australia in 1770 and although he did not declare the land a British colony, Captain Cook is considered to be Australia's founder.

Australia Day does not just celebrate white settlement in Australia, but brings together people from all walks of life, reminding us of the wonderful mix of cultures that makes Australia so unique. The Australian Aborigines played a proud role in this year's celebrations, with ancient art displays and didgeridoo playing. The All Nations Pavilion added an international flavor, providing food and entertainment from 16 countries.

Gold Coast Ethnic Association president Mary Ann Boehme said this year's celebrations boasted the biggest international gathering the Gold Coast has seen. "It is fantastic to see such cultural diversity. After all, we are all Australian," Boehme said.

Australia Day involves some important formalities as well. Many foreigners living in Australia decided to become "true blue Aussies" on Australia Day, receiving Australian citizenship. Also, each year the Mayor of the Gold Coast presents the Australia Day Awards. These prestigious awards are for those members of the community who exhibit the finest Australian qualities, whether it be through outstanding achievement or by inspirational work.

Australia Day is a fun holiday for the whole family but it holds far more significance than that. It gives all Australians the chance to remember our heritage, confirm our culture and our beliefs, and look to the future as a united community.

Shukan ST: Feb. 13, 1998

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