Rob Sanders: Sanders Technology

We just wound up another January 26th in the fair country of Australia.  A public holiday for all, as the nation remembers and celebrates the landing of British sailers of the First Fleet who landed at Sydney cove on this same date, back in 1788.

There’s been talk of changing the date to something more appropriate and along the lines of a more politically correct tact – for example, the date when Aboriginals were enfranchised by a national referendum (1967). 

Sorry, but no.  I’m quite happy to celebrate this important event in our country’s history, but Australia Day has always been the 26th of January for my lifetime, and I’d want a really good reason to change it (insensitivity to European settlement isn’t going to do it). 

For the record – no, I don’t think Anzac day is an equivalent
celebration/rememberence, since it honours (specifically) our brave fighting men and women.�
Anzac day also replaces Rememberence Day (November 11th) as our version
of veteran’s day (11am on the 11th is still honoured, but the day is
not a public holiday).

Perhaps thinking of Australia Day as celebrating European settlement isn’t the right way to view it.  Date irrespective, having a national holiday to "be Australian" and celebrate what it is to live in Australia is the important aspect of our culture (yes, and also a good time to watch the cricket or tennis).  January 26th is a fine date in my book.

We’re a very multicultural society now, and far fewer of Australian citizens are decendants of those few who travelled across the oceans back in 1788.  Forget the original origin of Australia Day and concentrate on rejoicing in our free land and for being Australians.  Enough said.

For your viewing pleasure, some aerial pictures of Sydney, NSW, Australia.

Our first two pictures are from a northern approach- We can see Manly beach at the bottom of the first shot, with the city and North Sydney towards the top of the picture as well as the Sydney Harbour Bridge which spans from Dawes Point to Milsons Point.

The second shot is taken roughly from above Vaucluse and gives us an excellent view of the harbour and various bays between the headland and the city.  The Sydney Opera House can be seen occupying Bennelong Point, just below and to the left of the bridge.

Our third photo is a nice shot of Bondi Beach, unmistakable, at the bottom right hand side.   The harbour extends deep into the countryside where it turns into the Parramatta River.

The fourth photo is of historic Botany Bay, the location where the English first landed in 1770.  If you are interested, here’s a link to google maps where the first expedition landed.  What is interesting is to wonder how Captain Cook managed to miss the great harbour just to the north (Port Jackson/Sydney Harbour).

Our last photo shows the location (roughly) where Cook landed, located in the present-day suburb of Kurnell.  There is an obelisk which was erected in honour of the occasion which is located just prior to the headland.

Domestic flights often land by approaching just over Kurnell – so next time you visit Sydney get a bird’s eye view!  If you are interested in seeing more or learning more there is a tour available.  If you’d like to know more about the settlement of Sydney in 1788 there’s an interesting site here.