Australia Day
Australia Day on 26th January commemorates the beginning of settlement in Australia, when Governor Arthur Phillip landed at Sydney Cove in 1788.
In 1838, the fiftieth anniversary of the landing, it was proclaimed a public holiday.
Previous to that, as early as 1817 or 1818, there were celebrations in Sydney. In 1931 the name Australia Day was adopted nationally (it had been known as Anniversary Day and Foundation Day).
Until Australia's bicentenary in 1988, the holiday was held on the first Monday following 26th January, in order to have a long weekend celebration.
However, in 1988 it was held on the actual date, Tuesday 26th January. This practice has continued since.
Food and Drink
Australia's first settlers brought with them the tastes of 18th century Great Britain.
Their familiar dishes such as roast beef and Yorkshire pudding, Irish stew and steamed pudding were, for most of the year, totally unsuitable for the harsh climate and conditions.
In the last two hundred years these eating habits have gradually changed and continue to do so.
In the Gold Rush of 1851 adventurers and speculators came from all over the world.
Among them were thousands of Chinese who began successful market gardens, greengrocers shops and restaurants thus introducing new tastes.
Influenced by the large number of immigrants, from Mediterranean, Asian and other countries, today menus now reflect Australia's multicultural society.
Once traditional dishes have been spiced up with new flavours but when it comes to Aussie tucker there are a few classic dishes that have stood the test of time and cannot be improved.
We have included a few classic recipes, in celebration of Australia Day.
For more information visit: www.aussie-info.com