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4 of the best Aussie ways to celebrate Australia Day in COVID times
Us Aussies love our public holidays, and Australia Day is one of those annual events we all look forward to. It’s a time for reflection and celebration of our Australian spirit. But with different levels of restrictions to contain Covid-19 still happening across the country, mandatory masks, limits on social gatherings and that pesky new and more dangerous UK strain hitting our shores - everyone’s health and wellbeing must be our top priority. Helping to stop the spread of the virus is our shared responsibility.
Social distancing and other restrictions may change the way we’ll celebrate this year, as we must make sure everyone stays safe. But nothing can stop us, right? Before planning your Australia Day this year, it’s crucial to check what rules apply to your location - so make sure you check your State Government’s website for the latest news.
Here are 4 of the best Aussie ways you can still celebrate Australia Day in these challenging Coronavirus times.
1. Have a backyard barbie party
Who says we can’t have a barbie party this year? Barbies have been and will always be a cultural prerequisite for Aussies and they are a central part of many celebrations. Of course, you must keep it COVID safe. While it’s safer to limit your barbie party to just your family, in most regions you’ll still be able to invite your friends – just make sure you practice social distancing. Whether you prefer to keep it more private and safer with only a few people or go all out with more, don’t forget the traditional Aussie Day food everyone loves - that means prawns, burgers, lamb, and snags for the barbie; and lamingtons and pav for dessert.
2. Join Australia Day events virtually
Check out what your State has planned for virtual events. For example, Australia Day in NSW has virtual events lined up for 26 January that you can join from the safety of your own home. You can watch them all on ABC TV or ABC iview. Here are some of those events:
- WugulOra or One Mob will start as early as when the sun rises. There will be festivities and traditional activities, such as the smoking ceremony to honour Australian traditions and acknowledge our rich cultural history
- Salute to Australia will start at 2:00 pm. It’s a ceremony to celebrate the contributions of many Australians and will include a 21-gun salute
- Australia live at the Sydney Opera House will start at 7:30pm. It’s your opportunity to see Australia’s top-performing artists without the risk of acquiring the virus. There will also be a fireworks display at the end of the concert
3. Have an Aussie-style costume competition
Of course, wearing lots of gold and green has to be a part of your Australia Day celebration. Get everyone wearing their most creative Australian flag costume, classic tees, thongs, boardies, or what have you. Then play some all-time favourite Aussie songs and get them to do the catwalk. Get ready with some prizes to give away for the best-dressed and best-costume awards. Don’t forget that face masks have to be part of their costumes. Anyone not wearing one – or not wearing an Aussie-themed one - must be disqualified. A costume competition within a small circle of people is a fun way to celebrate Australia Day and keep everyone safe.
4. Have fun with some Aussie games
You don’t have to go far to have fun. There are heaps of classic Aussie games you can play with the family and a few friends in your backyard or living room, or wherever it’s safe and comfortable. Here are some traditional Aussie games you can play on Australia Day to make you feel your Australian spirit in a fun way:
- Thong Toss – you’ll need a marker or chalk. In terms of technique, you can either go for the distance or the dartboard approach, but whoever tosses the thong the farthest wins the game. Just make sure you all take the necessary precautions as this game can cause injuries if played carelessly
- Backyard cricket – you can’t miss an exciting cricket game on one of the most celebrated events of the year! If your backyard can accommodate it, it’s the safest place to bat off, but if that doesn’t work, head down to the local park and get ready with that bat and ball for a fun-filled time on the big day this month
- Australia Day Trivia – If physical games aren’t for you, prepare questions related to Australia Day and Australia’s rich history and play the trivia game. Buy some fun prizes for the winners and get some snacks ready too. You can even play it with your friends virtually, over Zoom!
Happy Australia Day!
Sadly, Covid-19 has changed so many things in our lives, but you can’t keep an Aussie down for long and it certainly doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate Australia Day in style this year. Make sure to keep you and your loved ones safe by taking appropriate precautions. Get that barbie ready, and your face masks too!
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