FAQs

Why celebrate Australia Day?

Australia Day is celebrated on the twenty-sixth day of January and marks the day in 1788 when Captain Arthur Phillip arrived in Botany Bay to found the colony of New South Wales, and became its first Governor.

It is a day when Australians gather in every part of each state and territory of the Commonwealth, and overseas, to celebrate what is truly great about Australia and being Australian.

It is a day when we reflect on what we have achieved and what we can be proud of in our free and democratic nation.

It is a day to celebrate our cultural diversity and to acknowledge the contribution of both indigenous Australians and those who have come from more than 150 countries to make Australia their home.

In the UK, it is also a day to recognise the benefits we have gained from our British heritage and appreciate the close links that are retained between our nations.

The Australia Day Foundation in the UK?

This website has been created for Australians living in the UK, or visiting, to make them aware of events taking place on and around Australia Day each year.

The Australia Day Foundation was formed in 2003 to be responsible for organising events on and around Australia Day to celebrate our national day in an appropriate way, and to 'brand' this time of year in the UK for Australia.

The Australia Day Foundation does this by arranging events (The Gala Australia Day Dinner in Australia House) and by branding other approved events under the Australia Day umbrella.

The Australian Day Foundation was formed in 2003 as a Private Limited Company, registered in England & Wales.

Registration Number: 4986599.

Registered address:

The Australia Centre,
Strand,
London WC2B 4LG.

VAT Registration Number: 830 7544 34

Foundation Objectives?

To give Australians living in the UK, the opportunity to celebrate the biggest event in the Australian calendar.

To develop appropriate Australia Day celebrations and events in the United Kingdom.

To 'brand' events organised by others to celebrate or promote Australia or Australian products or services, that meet the ADF objectives and standards.

To celebrate the best of Australia through business, cultural, lifestyle and tourism.