Australia day

AAEF have included Australia as an important European nation in the Asian Region and have brought some of its aboriginal culture to British schools to celebrate Australia day which is the official national day of Australia. Observed annually on 26 January, it marks the 1788 landing of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove and raising of the Union Flag by Arthur Phillip following days of exploration of Port Jackson in New South Wales. In present-day Australia, celebrations aim to reflect the diverse society and landscape of the nation and are marked by community and family events, reflections on Australian history, official community awards and citizenship ceremonies welcoming new members of the Australian community.

AAEF have presented Australian Aboriginal performers during Australia day educational presentations at Downe House Girls School in Berkshire with an opening speech from the Australian High Commissioner Alexander Downer AC.

A further presentation was well attended by students at the government school Park House Wandsworth Common.