The tradition of noticing this day in the calendar began early in the nineteenth century with Sydney almanacs referring to First Landing Day or Foundation Day. That was the day in 1788 Captain Arthur Phillip, commander of the First Fleet of eleven convict ships from Great Britain and the first governor of New South Wales, arrived at Sydney Cove. The raising of the Union Jack there symbolised British occupation of the eastern half of the continent claimed by Captain James Cook on 22 August in 1770.
Over the past 200+ years this day has been marked in a variety of ways and eventually the formal holiday of Australia Day was born.
Today, it is celebrated by honouring significant Australians for their contribution including the Australian of the Year award.
However, there is also a more controversial side to this day. In 1988, Aboriginies renamed Australia Day as "Invasion Day"
Debate and discussion continues as to the meaning, value and importance of this day and how it "should" be marked.
For me, it's a day to spend on a boat in Sydney Harbour with friends, celebrating this wonderful place we live and share with such a rich and wonderful diversity of peoples from all over the world including the original inhabitants.
I've lived in Australia for 12 years now (the anniversary of that in a few weeks) and I'm most grateful. This is home to me and I knew that from my first day. I sometimes feel a bit of connection with Captain Phillip in terms of arriving here and knowing this was "home".
Thank you to all Australians for creating this wonderful country, for celebrating with each other (and can Australians celebrate!), for being respectful and continuing to grow in that respect for all peoples, life and our planet. We have so much more to do together, to improve, to grow, to shine - and I'm grateful to be a part of this.
Coaching Exercises
1. What are you grateful for regarding the city, state, region, country that you live in? What makes it special for you? (Even if you're not fully happy where you are, can you see anything to be grateful for about it, even if just something like the landscape or family?)
2. How to you celebrate what you have in your life as a result of where you live? How do you demonstrate your gratitude?
3. All peoples in all countries have an opportunity to improve the condition of themselves and those around them. What do you do now? What could you do?
4. As a result of these questions and your personal exploration and answers, what are you committing to?
As always, if you need any further personal support in response to any of these coaching exercises, please consider using the askacoach.com service.
All the best,
Noel
Noel Posus - Master Coach
www.askacoach.com
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Noel Posus (MECI) is a former member of the Board of Directors and former Head of Marketing - Asia Pacific for The-ECI - www.europeancoachinginstitute.org http://www.internationalcoachinginstitute.org
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