As controversy continues about the date of 26 January for Australia Day celebrations, National Wattle Day (1 September) is quietly growing in popularity across Australia.
We know that public enthusiasm for particular national days changes as each new generation re-examines the purpose and meaning of these celebrations. For example, we no longer celebrate Empire Day (1905-1958), while Anzac Day commemorated since 1916, has this century again become a day of heartfelt significance.
Names evolve too. The arrival of British convict ships on 26 January 1788 was at first celebrated in NSW only, with descriptive names such as First Landing Day, then Foundation Day, and Anniversary Day. By 1935 however, a celebration called Australia Day on 26 January (or the nearest Monday) was agreed to by all states and territories. It is also known as the Day of Mourning (1938) and Invasion Day (1988).
Wattle Day was first celebrated as a day of Australian identity and national pride on 1 September 1910 in NSW, Vic. and SA. To coincide with the best flowering of wattles locally, however, wattle days were later celebrated as different times in some states. That is until 1992 when a grassroots movement led to the Governor-General of Australia proclaiming National Wattle Day as 1 September across Australia.
Symbolised by Australia’s golden wattle, National Wattle Day is a happy, unifying day when we celebrate connection to the land that sustains us, and to each other through the values we share. It is a day worthy of celebration in its own right.