Australia Day and its meaning has been highly contested recently.
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While this year’s debate has focused on a possible change of date, in 1982 the dialogue was a little different.
The Shoalhaven Historical Society has taken a trip through the Shoalhaven and Nowra News archives to see what Australia Day was all about 36 years ago.
The theme for the 1982 Australia Day celebrations was ‘one nation – one future’.
The following was printed on Wednesday, January 27, 1982 in the Shoalhaven and Nowra News.
“It is appropriate to involve in its celebration the greatest and most priceless gift to the future – its children.
Most children in Australia are fortunate.
The crushing poverty that afflicts many other parts of the world and claims so many young innocent victims is unknown in Australia.
The country’s medical services are of a high standard and can prevent childhood illness and disease that devastate many other countries’ young population.
Australia’s infant mortality rate of 11.4 for each 1000 live births is the seventh lowest in the world behind only the Scandinavian countries.
Even the climate is kind, providing the opportunity for most months of the year for health outdoor activities.
All Australian children have the opportunity to attend school from the age of five to 15, with the option to continue their education past 13 years of age.
These opportunities are not available in many other countries because of the lack of government resources or pressing family needs.
Australia’s children also live in a country of good sporting facilities, therefore providing physical as well as mental growth – a well balanced development that again is not available in less fortunate.
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In health, education, climate, freedom from extreme need and, for those children less physically or mentally advantaged, car and compassion, Australia offers a high standard of service.
Any responsible person looks to the future, plans to the future, invests for the future.
While people do this to ensure their security and wellbeing, most aim to provide a decent start for their families, their children.
They represent the product of Australian life and the real sum of the country’s endeavours.
Australians cannot do justice to this worthy concept without involving those who most represent the key to Australia’s future.
In 1982, people should celebrate Australia Day with their children – their future and the nation’s.”
