Australia Day marks the day that English settlers first landed in Australia. The date was 26th of January 1788. There was 11 ships in the first fleet containing over 1000 prisoners.
For many Australians, today is known as Invasion Day. Native Australians are known as the Aboriginal people. When their land was colonized they lost their land and rights. Many people are looking for a national day that celebrates all cultures.
Waltzing Matilda
| Australian Vocabulary used in “Waltzing Matilda” * Billabong – A waterhole. * Billy – A can or small kettle used to boil water for tea. * Coolabah tree – A type of native tree in Australia * Jumbuck: – A sheep. There are 20 times as many sheep as there are people in Australia. * Matilda – The great army coats or blankets that soldiers rolled into a swag and tossed over their shoulders while marching. * Squatter – At one time, squatters claimed (seized) land for themselves in addition to land that they had been granted. Eventually through the continuous occupation of the land, their claims were legitimised in the eyes of the law. * Swagman: – Someone who lives on the open road. A hobo. The term came from the canvas bag that they would carry their bedroll and/or belongings in. * Trooper – In Australia’s early days, there was no police force. The colony was protected by and policed by soldiers and even when a police force was eventually formed, they were still referred to as ‘troopers’. * Tucker bag: – A knapsack or bag for storing food in the bush. |
