Is Western Australia Day a Public Holiday?
Western Australia Day is regarded as a public holiday in the regions of Western Australia. Therefore, general office, schools, universities, colleges, public and private sectors remain closed. Some stores and offices can remain open accordingly and follow a restricted schedule with limited operational hours. This day celebrates Australia’s Indigenous and Aboriginal culture and recognizes its inhabitants as original residents of Australia.
Western Australia Day History
Western Australia Day history holds relevant significance and commemorates the beginning of its observance. In the year 1826, the foremost British Army Settlement was established in Western Australia. In 1827, Admiral Sir James Stirling suggested settling down a permanent establishment along the west coast area of the Swan River. It was on June 1, 1829 that the West Coast was sighted from the Barque Parmelia, a merchant ship. Later, more ships landed and the area became to be known as the Swan River Colony, while its name changed to Western Australia in 1832.
It was in 1834 that Admiral Sir James Stirling, the then-Western Australia Administrator, decided to commemorate the occasion by organizing an annual event. This event marked the unification of masters, settlers and Indigenous Australians. The date “June 1” was considered to celebrate since it was the day Westrern Australia was sighted.
Western Australia Day Celebrations
Several events and programs are organized on the occasion on Western Australia Day on the first Monday of June or 1st June. One of the famous events carried out on this day is the grand Western Australia Day breakfast hosted by the respected Governor of Western Australia.
Invitees are decided based on the competitions and their winners. Every participant in the competition is usually asked to share his thoughts on why a particular community is strong and what makes it inclusive. The Western Australian of the Year Awards are also given out on this day. These awards are categorised in seven divisions:
- Aboriginal
- Arts & Culture
- Business
- Community
- Professions
- Sport
- Youth
Other activities include recognizing other modern communities, organizing community get-togethers, feasts and small events. People from every community come together on this day and raise awareness on cultural and communal unity and peace.
Public Life on Western Australia Day
Western Australia Day is usually observed on the first Monday in the month of June, which is why the public life mostly remains hustle-free. This means that major academic universities, organizations, companies, retail stores and others remain closed. Some government stores can follow a restricted schedule with proper open and closing timings. Some convenient stores and small businesses may remain open on this day, and timings for transport services may alter.
Since there are parades, award ceremonies and marches carried out on this day, some bus and train services may get cancelled on this day. However, other states do not observe this day as a public holiday and follow a normal routine.
Things to Do on Western Australia Day
- You can host a Barbecue get-together with your loved ones on this day outside.
- You can educate the younger generation regarding the importance of this day by watching a documentary.
- Nominate someone for the Western Australian of the Year Awards and attend them also.
- Even if you are a tourist or a local, you must visit the Swan Bell Tower located in Perth.
Western Australia Day Observances
| Year | Weekday | Date | Name | Holiday Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Mon | 3 June | Western Australia Day | Common State holiday |
| 2020 | Mon | 1 June | Western Australia Day | Common State holiday |
| 2021 | Mon | 7 June | Western Australia Day | Common State holiday |
| 2022 | Mon | 6 June | Western Australia Day | Common State holiday |
| 2023 | Mon | 5 June | Western Australia Day | Common State holiday |
| 2024 | Mon | 3 June | Western Australia Day | Common State holiday |
| 2025 | Mon | 2 June | Western Australia Day | Common State holiday |
FAQs
1. What other cultures are recognized on the Western Australian Day?
Western Australia Day celebrations consist of recognizing the multicultural history of Western Australians and Indigenous and Aboriginal Australians.
2. What are the Western Australian of the Year Awards?
The Western Australian of the Year Awards is bestowed upon those who have contributed to the betterment of the society and continue to do so selflessly with an objective of creating a better future.
3. Western Australian of the Year Awards are divided into how many categories?
These awards are categorised in seven different divisions, which are Aboriginal, Arts & Culture, Business, Community, Professions, Sport and Youth.
4. Is Western Australian Day a religious holiday?
No. it is regarded as a public holiday.
From the above information, it is evident that the Western Australia Day 2024 is celebrated on 3 June, Monday with a great sense of pride and unity.
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