AUSTRALIA Day means so many things to so many different people who call this great land of ours home.

Traditionally January 26, Australia Day, conjures up images of faded blue singlets, British racing green stubbies, sweltering hot days, icy cold beers, snags on the barbie and, of course, the beach.

So wave that Aussie flag patriotically, slap-on that pink zinc and get ready for an unforgettable Australia Day 2009 as Finda takes you on a tour around our great nation.


Australian of the Year Award

Each year as people around the nation celebrate what makes this country great, there are some very special Aussies being recognised for their great work. These awards are known as the Australia Day Australian of the Year Awards.

The awards profile leading citizens who are role models for us all and who inspire us through their achievements, and challenge us to make our own contributions to creating a better Australia.

Queensland's Australian of the Year Awards for 2009 were announced by the Honourable Rod Welford MP, Minister for Education and Training, and the Arts on Friday 28 November 2008.

• Queensland Australian of the Year 2009 - Bronwyn Sheehan
• Queensland Senior Australian of the Year 2009 - Jean Illingworth
• Queensland Young Australian of the Year 2009 - Jonty Bush
• Queensland Local Hero 2009 - Cyril Golding

Congratulations to all of our winners.


Fireworks and Fun

It just wouldn't be Australia Day without fireworks or fun. The two go hand in hand, and that's why we've compiled a list of activities going off on January 26 around the country. Check out what's on in your region:

Australia Day celebrations on the Sunshine Coast


Australia Day celebrations in Toowoomba

Australia Day celebrations in Northern Rivers

Lismore will come alive this Australia Day at the Trinity College Hall from 8.30am. The fun begins with the with flag raising first up,followed by a citizenship ceremony and award presentations, followed by a morning tea. For more info please contact Sue Wade on (02) 6625 0500.


Australia Day celebrations in Coffs Harbour

Celebrations will be very formal for this year's Australia Day in Coffs. The day will begin with the traditional flag raising ceremony at the Cenetaph at 8.30am, followed by morning tea at the nearby ex-services club. A citizenship ceremony and Australia Day Awards will wrap the day.

Australia Day Celebrations in Brisbane



South Bank is gearing up for the huge Australia Day celebration in Brisbane including a massive range of activities and entertainment. Spectacular fireworks, lunches, thong-throwing competitions, barbecues, children's entertainment, and free concerts will be held not only in Brisbane but around the state.


Here's some of our favourites:

• 2009 Australia Day Festival and Concert
• Australia Day Party featuring James Blundell
• Australia Day Barefoot Ball
• 2009 Australia Day Flag Raising Ceremony
• Family Fun Australia Day

Australia Day Celebrations in Sydney

THE Australia Day Spectacular will wrap up Australia Day celebrations with a sequence of light, sound and music,  climaxing with a huge massive fireworks extravaganza over the Harbour.







Australia Day Celebrations in Canberra

The Nation's Capital will come alive in activities all day long, including with a Flag Raising and Citizenship Ceremony, some great bands, a smorgasboard of great Aussie food and last but not least the Australia Day Fireworks Finale over Lake Burley Griffin.

Australia Day Celebrations in Melbourne

If you're in Melbourne this Australia Day, why not head to Federation Square for the annual fireworks display which start at 9.15pm. The best spots are along the river near Federation Square.

Did you know ?

Some Aussie facts to dazzle your friends with over the barbecue on Australia Day.

1. The Australian national flag features the stars of the Southern Cross, the Union Jack and Commonwealth or Federation Star.
2. Our floral emblem is the golden wattle.
3. Although most of us associate green and gold with our Olympic sporting heroes, the colours actually come from our landscapes: Gold symbolising Australia’s beaches, grain harvests and the fleece of Aussie wool and Green from our forests, eucalyptus trees and rolling  pastures.
4. Australia's national gemstone is the opal.
5. In 1977 three million Aussies voted in a referendum for Advance Australia Fair to become our national anthem and that it was officially proclaimed in 1984.

Want to know more?

Australia Day celebrations on the Sunshine Coast

Australia Day celebrations in Toowoomba

Advance Australia Fair lyrics

Search for more Australia Day events.

And before you go, why not leave a comment and tell us your favourite way to spend Australia Day.