Part 1: Australia and its people, in plain English

The first Australians

Our Common Bond, page 8

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples were the first people to live in Australia. They have the oldest continuous cultures and traditions in the world.

• Historically, Aboriginal people come from mainland Australia and Tasmania.
• Torres Strait Islander people come from the islands between the northern tip of Queensland and Papua New Guinea.
• The archaeological record suggests that Aboriginal peoples arrived between 65,000 and 40,000 years ago.
• They have a deep connection with the land, which they express in stories, art and dance.
• Their cultures are diverse and are an important part of Australia's national identity.

The First Fleet and early settlement

Our Common Bond, page 8, and the glossary, page 41

European settlement began when the First Fleet arrived from Great Britain on 26 January 1788.

• The First Fleet was 11 convict ships. It landed at Sydney Cove.
• Britain sent convicts to Australia because its jails could not hold all its prisoners.
• The new colony was called New South Wales. Its first Governor was Captain Arthur Phillip.
• The colony grew as more convicts and free settlers arrived, and more colonies were set up.

Free settlers from Britain and Ireland

Our Common Bond, page 8

The early free settlers came from Great Britain and Ireland. Their British and Irish heritage has had a big influence on Australia's history, culture and politics.

The gold rush

Our Common Bond, pages 8 and 11

A gold rush began in 1851, when gold was found in the colonies of New South Wales and Victoria.

• Chinese people who came at this time were the first large group of migrants not from Europe.
• In 10 years, the population of Australia more than doubled.
• Wealth from the gold rush paid for many fine buildings in Victoria.

Federation in 1901

Our Common Bond, page 9

In 1901 the separate colonies joined together in a federation, called the Commonwealth of Australia.

• A national parliament, a national government and the High Court were set up under the new Constitution.
• In the first half of the 20th century, migration programs encouraged people from Britain to settle in Australia.

The 1967 Referendum

Our Common Bond, pages 9 and 25

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples were included in estimates of the population only after the 1967 Referendum. In that referendum, more than 90 per cent of Australians voted Yes to count Aboriginal peoples in the Census.

Migration to Australia

Our Common Bond, page 9

After World War II, a wave of migrants who were not British came, many of them from Europe.

• Today, migration and refugee programs bring people from all over the world. They come to join family, to make a new life, or to escape poverty, war or persecution.
• Australia has become more diverse over two centuries. At the same time, we aim to be a united nation where people get along.

English and other languages

Our Common Bond, page 9

English is Australia's national language and part of our national identity. Migrants should learn and use English so they can take part in Australian life.

States, territories and capitals

Our Common Bond, page 10

Australia has six states and two mainland territories. Canberra is the capital city of Australia.

What each state and territory is like

Our Common Bond, page 11

• New South Wales was the first colony set up by the British.
• Victoria is the smallest mainland state. Its icons include the MCG, the 12 Apostles and the Royal Exhibition Building.
• Queensland is the second largest state. The Torres Strait Islands are to its north and the Great Barrier Reef is off its east coast. It has rainforests, coast and an often dry inland.
• Western Australia is the largest state. It is mostly desert in the east, with farming and wine in the south-west, and mining. Its icons include the Ningaloo Coast, Margaret River and the Kimberley.
• South Australia has a rugged coast, wine regions and colonial buildings in Adelaide. Its icons include the Barossa Valley and the Flinders Ranges.
• Tasmania is the smallest state. Bass Strait separates it from the mainland. Its icons include Cradle Mountain, Port Arthur and the Bay of Fires.
• The Australian Capital Territory lies between Sydney and Melbourne. Parliament House and the High Court are in Canberra.
• The Northern Territory has a tropical north and a red desert south. Its icons include Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon.

Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country

Our Common Bond, page 12

Both customs show respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

• A Welcome to Country is given by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander custodian of the local area. It is usually the first item to open an event.
• Traditionally, it made sure visitors had a safe and protected journey.
• It can be songs, dances, a smoking ceremony, or a speech in a traditional language or in English.
• An Acknowledgement of Country recognises that the meeting is on Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander land. It pays respect to the Traditional Custodians, Elders past and present, and to Indigenous people who are there.
• Anyone can give an Acknowledgement of Country. Usually it is the chair or the master of ceremonies.

Australia Day

Our Common Bond, page 13

Australia Day is on 26 January each year. It marks the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788.

• It is a public holiday in every state and territory, and the biggest yearly public holiday.
• Communities reflect on Australia's history and on the people who have contributed to the nation.
• Special citizenship ceremonies are held.
• The Prime Minister announces the Australian of the Year Awards in Canberra.

Anzac Day

Our Common Bond, page 13

Anzac Day is on 25 April each year. It is named after the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. It is a solemn day to remember all Australians who served and died in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.

Australia's flags

Our Common Bond, page 14

The Australian National Flag is the flag of the nation. Australia also recognises the Aboriginal Flag and the Torres Strait Islander Flag. Each state and territory has its own flag as well.

• Australian National Flag: blue, white and red. The Union Jack in the top left corner stands for British settlement and the laws and institutions Australia inherited. Under it, the Commonwealth Star has seven points: one for each of the six states and one for the territories. The Southern Cross on the right is a group of stars seen in the southern sky.
• Aboriginal Flag: black, red and yellow. The black top half stands for Aboriginal peoples, the red bottom half for the earth, and the yellow circle for the sun.
• Torres Strait Islander Flag: green, blue, black and white. Green is the land, blue is the sea and the black lines are the people. The white dancer's headdress stands for all Torres Strait Islanders, and the points of the star for the island groups. White stands for peace.

Coat of Arms, flower, colours and gemstone

Our Common Bond, page 15

• Commonwealth Coat of Arms: the symbol of the Commonwealth of Australia. It stands for national unity and marks the authority and property of the Commonwealth. Its shield stands for the six states and federation. A kangaroo and an emu hold up the shield, the gold Commonwealth Star sits above it, and golden wattle is in the background.
• National flower: the golden wattle. It grows mainly in south-eastern Australia and has golden yellow flowers in spring. Each state and territory also has its own floral emblem.
• National colours: green and gold, the colours of the golden wattle. National sports teams usually wear them.
• National gemstone: the opal. An Aboriginal legend says a rainbow touched the earth and made the colours of the opal.

The national anthem

Our Common Bond, page 16

Australia's national anthem is "Advance Australia Fair". It is sung at events of national importance, such as citizenship ceremonies and major sporting events.