Australia Day builds on 60,000-year legacy

THE Australian story begins at least 60,000 years ago.

Australia Day commemorates the day Captain Arthur Phillips raised the Union Jack
flag in Sydney Cove.

It is a day that celebrates the history and achievements of the Australian people, but many see it as a day of mourning and a day of invasion by the British settlers.

In Toodyay the public holiday was marked by a community breakfast at the recreation centre followed by a citizenship ceremony and a presentation of community citizen of the year awards.

The very first citizenship ceremony in Australia was officiated by Ben Chifley 75 years ago in Canberra.