The Australian of the Year awards we're told "recognize
inspirational Australians each year for their incredible
contribution to society. Whether its through their charitable
work, show of leadership, advocacy or social work."

" It could be for their groundbreaking work in the fields of
medicine, science, engineering, and technology or for their
achievements in academics, arts, or sports."

We have many Australians - many eminent Australians from
all walks of life who inspire us to pursue our passions
and contribute to our communities.

There's many who have inspired others over the decades.
People like Fred Hollows, Victor Chang, Lowitja O'Donoghue,
Mick Dodson, Sir Gustav Nossal, Dylan Alcott, to name
just a few.

http://cms.australianoftheyear.org.au/recipients/professor-mujed-al-muderis

Apologies for the typo. Here's the link again:

http://cms.australianoftheyear.org.au/recipients/professor-munjed-al-muderis

WE ARE CELEBRATING AUSTRALIA DAY.
Not Cooks discovery of a land mass or Philips landing at botany Bay.

This country was not Australia on the 26th January 1788 it was the beginning of a prison settlement on the land. The fact AUSTRALIA became identified on January 1St 1901 when the States united to form one Nation.
It was the English explorer Matthew Flinders who suggested the name we use today. He was the first to circumnavigate the continent in 1803, and used the name ‘Australia’ to describe the continent on a hand drawn map in 1804.
When the map and book describing his journey was finally published in 1814 the name 'Terra Australis' was used instead, although Flinders stated that his preference was still 'Australia'.
FACT:
On 26 January 1949, the Nationality and Citizenship Act 1948 became law. It was the first time that the term ‘Australian citizen’ had been used in any Australian legislation, including the Australian Constitution. Although the Act has been changed since 1948, it is still the basis for how a person becomes an Australian citizen.

Millions have become Citizens of Australia on Jan 26th and it is this memorial we celebrate with them. END OF STORY!

Proud Boy Jose'

I think we know how those of your ilk "accommodated" (your word) Aboriginal people back in your day. You were content to marginalise them on the edge of town, out of sight out of mind, living in squalor. Enjoy Gubba Day you deserve it.

Josephus,

January 26th does not celebrate the establishment of
Australia as a country but marks the foundation of the
British colony in NSW.

Most nations celebrate their national day on the date
of Independence from their colonial power, not the
day of colonisation.

Foxy, We are celebrating Australia Day, NO SUCH DAY EXISTED ON THE DAY OF SETTLEMENT 1788, ALL BORN HERE BECAME AUSTRALIAN CITIZENS after the Australian Citizen act 26th January 1849. You read too much University history nonsense and their agenda. My wife came to Australia in 1965 and became an Australian citizen on the 26th of January 1968. She has no desire to divide Australia by a racial agenda and despise Australia and join in the hate of the Settlers as promoted by pseudo history.