Every year the debate over Australia gets louder and more furious as an increasingly angry cohort of Australians point out that the date celebrates dispossession of a nation full of human beings, and another equally strident group screech about black armband history and national pride.
And somewhere in all of that is the idea that January 26 is somehow unique and immoveable, which is slightly undercut by…
a) the fact that the first ever Australia Day was held on July 30,
b) that January 26 was originally Foundation Day and was a NSW-specific celebration, and
c) the national public holiday was only installed in 1994.
So you know, there’s been some flexibility there.
“You what, mate?”
But as the matter becomes more politicised and febrile it’s useful to put things in perspective. And to that end, here is a list of iconic Australian things older than the Australia Day holiday:
Lee Lin Chin on SBS World News (1987)
Home and Away (1988)
The Brisbane Broncos (1988)
The Newcastle Earthquake (1989)
The Triple J Hottest 100 broadcast (1989)
Emma from the Wiggles (1989)
Liam Hemsworth (1990)
The 80 Series Toyota Land Cruiser (1990)
The Adelaide Crows (1990)
Iggy Azaela (1990)
Antony Green doing ABC election coverage (1991)
‘Treaty’ by Yothu Yindi (1991)
Queensland banning daylight saving (1992)
Strictly Ballroom (1992)
‘Holy Grail’ by Hunters & Collectors (1992)
Shane Warne’s “ball of the century” (1993)
Literally everyone over 25
But just in case you’re feeling ancient, reflect on the fact that at least Troye Sivan is still more recent than Australia Day.
Australians all, let us rejoice!