Australia Day is a time to celebrate our nation's unique identity, which has been formed by a tapestry of diverse cultures and experiences. As we reflect on our past, present, and future, it's only right that we should acknowledge our indigenous people, the hardship of our early settlers, the struggles of our early pioneers, and the ongoing efforts to build a more inclusive and equitable society for all who live amongst us.
Australia's story began thousands of years ago with our indigenous people, who have a deep dreamtime connection to the land. Their resilience has shaped our nation's story and identity, and continues to inspire us today. As a former Director of Music Navy it gave me deep privilege to commission Darren Moffitt to paint ‘The Salute’ as an enduring reminder of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service to the Royal Australian Navy. The artwork was unveiled at the Navy Centenary Concert on 10 July 2011. ‘The Salute’ was the Navy Band's gift to the Royal Australian Navy on its Centenary.
As important as it is, Australia's indigenous history is only one part of our nation's story.
In 1770, Captain James Cook claimed the east coast of Australia for Britain, marking the beginning of European settlement. The following decades were marked by hardship and struggle as early settlers adapted to a new environment to establish a society. Their determination and perseverance laid the foundation for the modern Australia we know today.
Australia Day is also a time to honour the struggles and sacrifices of our early pioneers. They faced many hardships, but their dogged determination and resilience helped to build a better life for future generations. We should remember their legacy and strive to live up to their ideals of courage, perseverance, and fairness.
Australia has now become a vibrant and multicultural nation, and home to people from all walks of life. We celebrate our diversity through our food, music, art, and sports. We are also a proud democracy, with a strong commitment to human rights and social justice, and we can be thankful of our colonial history for establishing democratic values in this land. Over time, since 26 January 1788, Australia's development has seen improved living standards, access to health care and education, and equality and opportunity for all.
As we look to the future, we face many challenges and opportunities. We should continue to work towards reconciliation with our indigenous communities, address climate change, and build a more inclusive and equitable society for all Australians. Australia Day is a day to celebrate our nation's rich history, diverse culture, and bright future. It is a day to reflect on our past (the good and the bad), acknowledge our present, and embrace the challenges and opportunities ahead of us. Let us come together to celebrate Australia Day with pride and hope, and work towards building a better future for all Australians.
To help celebrate Australia Day 2025 and to remind us of the beauty of our land, I've put a short video together with images of some of my favourite places in Sydney. The music was orchestrated, conducted and recorded by me with the Royal Australian Navy Band and Choir for the Sydney 2000 Olympic and Paralymic Games. Even if I say so myself, I think this is one of the most stirring versions of the Australian National Anthem.
Happy Australia Day!
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