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Fire up the barbie, it’s Ostraya Day!

The Punch Team

by The Punch Team

25 Jan 02:00pm

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Filed under: Australia, Australia Day, Barbecue, Entertainment

71 comments

Our national day has become somewhat of a chance to navel gaze. To profoundly ponder who we were, who we are, and who we want to be. To pick apart the metaphysical fluff of our nationhood.

All he's missing are the Winnie Blues up the sleeve of his t-shirt. Pic: Kristi Miller

For some it’s a day of nationalistic pride, of waving flags Made in China and trying to remember all the words to the national anthem.  For some it’s Invasion Day, the anniversary of the First Fleet’s arrival a matter for sorrow, not beer. Or it’s all about the cricket.

But there’s a fair bunch of us for whom it’s a public holiday, a day to kick back in the sun, open a cold drink a little early,  and catch up with friends and family.

So what are you all doing, Punchers?

Will you barbeque? Will you beach it? Will you blast the Hottest 100?

Will you chuck a sickie on Friday?

Most commented

71 comments

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    • Tubesteak says:

      01:07pm | 25/01/12

      Apparently Brisbane has cancelled some of their celebrations due to the weather. That is very unAustralian of Mother Nature. Maybe Bob Brown can blame the sugar cane industry or some such (couldn’t resist).

      I’m looking forward to getting some exercise, stuffing around for a while, enjoying a day off, maybe head to the fish markets for lunch, watching a LOT of cricket and then pick up my brother at the airport. I won’t be waving any flags, though.

      Reply

    • AJ (Perth) says:

      02:03pm | 25/01/12

      I could be reading the last bit wrong, so it might be worth checking.  Although you won’t be waving any flags, no probs with others who do though?

    • Rick of the Dustbowl says:

      03:58pm | 25/01/12

      Public holiday day although some patiots had the idea that it should be on a set day like Thursday so you don’t get a long weekend anymore . How f$%^ing un-Australian is that.

    • Gladys says:

      04:51pm | 25/01/12

      It is pouring with rain! Of course we cancelled. Have you seen us play football in the rain? We don’t go out in inclement weather!

    • ImaWestie says:

      09:09pm | 25/01/12

      @Rick, the Australian thing to do of course is chuck a sickie on Friday.
      What’s more Aussie than a 4-day weekend just because the PH is on a “thursdee”?

    • Old Labor Values says:

      09:50pm | 25/01/12

      @Rick of the Dustbowl
      I’m old enough to remember when the Australia Day Public holiday was always held on the first Monday after the 26th of January.  Hence the saying “Austalia - the land of the long weekend”. That is until Bob Hawke changed the rules with effect from the Bicentennial in 1988.  Good Labour values there! And how about the ‘Accord” that held back workers pay rises!

    • Disco Stud says:

      10:34pm | 25/01/12

      ‘old Labor values’ what are you on about? You Lib lovers truly do live in a fantasy land. All the worlds ills come from ‘bloody Labor’!! I was in school in 1988 and since then I’ve worked and Aust day and all pub hols used to always be a long weekend. It’s only the last 5-10 years its changed and is now on the day. Kennett started in Vic and then Howard was mean-spirited enough to bring it in. Idiot!!!

    • acotrel says:

      08:02am | 26/01/12

      I’ll be looking up the web for a house in New Zealand or Tasmania, I’m thinking of emigrating !

    • Old Labor Values says:

      09:43am | 26/01/12

      @Disco Stud
      Don*t rewrite history. Do one of your Google things, get your facts right. Then, if your man enough, ‘repjy’ and admit you were wrong.

    • Disco stud says:

      11:10am | 26/01/12

      I’m not wrong, just like you people. You know what I mean because after all you are never wrong!

    • SimonFromLakemba says:

      01:08pm | 25/01/12

      I don’t know if the headline on the photo is very nice, I don’t picture that guy to be some beer drinking bogan while his kid is there, referring to having the Winnies up his sleeve.

      I could understand if he was some teenager with ‘such is life’ on him in his ute or something.

      Reply

    • MikeS says:

      01:20pm | 25/01/12

      I think the comment refers to the kid. And they’re probably in his back pocket because he’s gone sleeveless

    • James1 says:

      01:12pm | 25/01/12

      BBQ (steakettes and rissoles bought special for the occasion) with my family and one of my sisters, followed by swimming, with many beers to be drank throughout.  Plus I have leave on Friday and Monday, so Australia Day will have the wonderful additional pleasure of being the first day of a five day weekend.  The only way I can make that more Australian is if I punched a kangaroo.

      Reply

    • SimonFromLakemba says:

      01:34pm | 25/01/12

      You could eat a Kangaroo?

    • Anubis says:

      01:44pm | 25/01/12

      Skippy steaks & kebabs on the BBQ for me…Mmmmmmmm…nom nom nom

    • AdamC says:

      02:50pm | 25/01/12

      The Friday and the Monday, James1 - you lucky devil!

      Of course, like all patriotic Aussies, I have taken the Friday off. Missing out on a long weekend is unAustralian!

      BTW, what are steakettes? They sound like one of those Phil Spector bands from the early sixties. (Of course, I assume they are a food item.)

    • Gordon says:

      08:36pm | 25/01/12

      Their those thin steaks you can now get at woolies or coles. I don’t like them. They shrivel up and are too dry. You can’t cook them like a proper steak. touch the grill and its well done. anyhoo..

    • Son of a butcher says:

      08:40pm | 25/01/12

      AdamC.
      Steakettes are basically flat rectangular rissoles that fit perfectly between two pieces of buttered white sliced bread.  Add any salad that you want but tinned sliced beetroot and tomato sauce is mandatory.
      Love ‘em.

    • Wynston Cruso says:

      01:20pm | 25/01/12

      I’m sorry, what? Since someone pointed out Ants mohawk in the team photo, I haven’t been able to look away.

      Reply

    • AJ (Perth) says:

      02:05pm | 25/01/12

      Made me look (again) :o)

    • Dan Webster says:

      02:52pm | 25/01/12

      Lol, he looks like De Niro out of Taxi Driver. He just needs an army jacket.
      “You talking to me…...”

    • Wynston Cruso says:

      05:07pm | 25/01/12

      He does too…. intentional?

      Can’t. Look. Away.

    • John says:

      01:27pm | 25/01/12

      I will be getting up early and going for a run with the kelpie.  Then I’ll jump in the ute and going blackberry picking with the family.  Following which I’ll go into work to get some stuff finished to take advantage of the Januaryitits that seems to afflict most of the country. I will therefore be doing something productive.  I will not be waving any flags, wearing the flag as apparel either as a singlet, T-Shirt or cape.  Nor will I be painting the flag on my cheeks, whereever situated and nor will I be getting pissed, chanting Aussie Aussie or threatening anyone who has a brown skin or slitty eyes.  Pride in one’s country can be carried in the heart and mind and needs no public demonstration.

      Reply

    • AJ (Perth) says:

      02:14pm | 25/01/12

      Could be reading the last bit wrong (clearly I’m already in slow mode as not to waste a moment of the public holiday tomorrow), so worth checking.  Do you wholly disagree with any public display of one’s pride of Australia with no tolerance towards those who does?  If so, I disagree.  People are different, some keep it in heart and mind, and some not.  I’m personally ok with either.

    • John says:

      02:50pm | 25/01/12

      AJ - good point.  But I do feel that overt displays which basically come down to drunken chest beating and so forth is a hijack of Australia Day and the principles that true Australians who believe in the fundamental Aussie value of a Fair Go.  I am OK with people getting emblazoned if they want to - however the behaviours that often go with that are not what I would regard as patriotism or national pride.

    • Anjuli says:

      01:29pm | 25/01/12

      They are talking about cancelling the fire works in Perth because of the weather ,it is over 40 and will remain that way for over a week.

      Reply

    • amy says:

      01:45pm | 25/01/12

      really? bushfires?

    • Wynston Cruso says:

      02:11pm | 25/01/12

      I wouldn’t be surprised. There is a lot of pressure regarding fire safety, particularly considering recent and not so recent events, plus the liability factor if any fires break out.

    • DriveByHeckler says:

      01:30pm | 25/01/12

      Australia day is just for recent migrants to overdo the use of of nationalistic paraphernalia, in the hope that one day an Australian will open up and become their friend.  However after many fruitless efforts, the recent migrant will concede that they will always be an outsider and use Australia day to catch up with the mowing.

      Reply

    • Richard M says:

      03:15pm | 25/01/12

      What utterly pathetic, cynical, puerile, moronic and, most important of all, completely untrue and unwarranted rubbish.  Get out of your paranoid little shell into ordinary suburban streets and backyards tall over this country to see people of all ethnic and racial backgrounds interacting together.

    • SOGLADIMOWEDTHISAAVEE... says:

      05:03pm | 25/01/12

      Thanks for reminding me, I mowed the back garden when I got home.
      @RichardM- I couldn’t agree more with you. I remember my days happily mixing with other “ethnic types” back in the ‘burbs of Sydney.
      Have a great Australia day all!

    • Emma says:

      10:04am | 26/01/12

      And I bet you can spot from a distance who is actually a real Aussie and who is not? I bet every person with Asian features is not Australian to you, no matter where they were born.

      I am an immigrant but luckily I blend in (as long as I dont say anything as I still have a bit of an accent). It would be frustrating to always be treated as unAustralian just because you are not caucasian.

      I wonder as well why it is perceived as something negative when an immigrant celebrates Australia Day. It is a very special day that reminds us of how we have done the right thing taking the risk of leaving safety and family and job behind and starting with nothing, working to gain residency and settling in.

    • Bev says:

      01:39pm | 25/01/12

      Family get together. Smoked pork ribs.  Been in the fridge in a Kansas city rub (no marinades rubs are better) for two days. Into the water smoker for 4 hours served with HM Mississippi BBQ sauce (now that is finger lickin good), salad and sour dough bread.  Followed by fresh fruit salad and Scottish crumpets. See I am getting with the multicultural bit!  Don’t know about the chinese made Oz flag though.

      Reply

    • jay-ded says:

      04:04pm | 25/01/12

      But, what about the lamb chops?

    • SLF says:

      01:47pm | 25/01/12

      I will be reciting the Australian citizenship pledge and then becoming a fully fledged Australian citizen.

      Reply

    • marley says:

      01:59pm | 25/01/12

      Good on you.  I did it two years ago.  It gives Australia Day a slightly different meaning for us non-natives, I think.

    • Richard M says:

      03:17pm | 25/01/12

      Congratulations.  A sincere and heartfelt welcome to the Australian family.

    • John says:

      03:45pm | 25/01/12

      Good On You!  Doing more for Australian values than getting drunk and chanting Oi, Oi, Oi.

    • jay-ded says:

      04:06pm | 25/01/12

      Way to go SLF.  Welcome to Oz mate.

    • Nick says:

      05:02pm | 25/01/12

      Big Thumbs Up from North QLD

    • TheRealDave says:

      02:17pm | 26/01/12

      SLF - Your shout wink

    • bella starkey says:

      01:58pm | 25/01/12

      If the weather is anything like today I’ll be slobbing out on the couch and finishing watching baordwalk empire.

      If it’s good weather i will probably be doing the same for fear of drunk bogans in hyde park and oxford street.

      Reply

    • dancan says:

      01:59pm | 25/01/12

      I’m taking home a thumb drive of work I need to complete before next week

      Reply

    • Daisyduke says:

      02:00pm | 25/01/12

      Watching the Aussies pummel Indians like any self-respecting Aussie should be .
      Maybe switch on the cricket too.

      Reply

    • Anubis says:

      02:15pm | 25/01/12

      @ DaisyDuke - why spoil the day by turning on the cricket?

    • Colin Lemke says:

      02:08pm | 25/01/12

      As the grandson of a German migrant, I thank God that he gave me the opportunity to be born and to live in this, the greatest country on earth. I honestly would not want to live anywhere else.

      Reply

    • Richard M says:

      03:22pm | 25/01/12

      Absolutely, Colin.  As someone who has travelled extensively, has lived in Europe and has friends all over the world, I can say with confidence that many Aussies just don’t appreciate how lucky we are to live here.  I recommend that every Aussie should read Peter Hartcher’s recent book “the Sweet Spot”, whic makes this point.

    • Colin Lemke says:

      06:16pm | 25/01/12

      Richard M - you are so right. I was in the RAAF for 22 years, and travelled a fair bit. I can honestly say, there is no place like Oz, and we really don’t appreciate what a great place it is.

    • Emma says:

      10:10am | 26/01/12

      Sometimes when I spend time with Aussie-born friends of mine they notice how I sometimes take a deep breath and marvel at the beauty of this place and this life. They always say they dont see it anymore although they should.

    • Babe in the Woods says:

      02:17pm | 25/01/12

      Depends on the weather.  If it is raining I am going to try and figure out how to use this new router thing I bought (not very technical, but love tinkering around).  Then some time at our lovely local beach (if raining still going but under the shelters).  We are meeting some friends for a sausage sizzle whilst watching the Australian Cricket team do their batting/bowling practice.  Then maybe a glass or two and home.  Nice day!  Yes, have to work on Friday, but as there are only 2 of us coming in I don’t see much stress there.  PS Daisyduke (above) that post made me laugh out loud here.  Have a great day off Punchers!

      Reply

    • Paul says:

      02:19pm | 25/01/12

      I’ll be mowing the lawn and planting some ornamentals prior to heading to the park with poo scooper in hand to attend a pooches party complete with pooch icy poles.

      You never know, there might be single chicks there.

      Reply

    • SpagBol says:

      02:21pm | 25/01/12

      Swedish cider, Triple J Hottest 100 countdown, baby pool. BAM.

      Reply

    • Shredder says:

      02:24pm | 25/01/12

      I’m going to buy four bottles of cheap shiraz, head down to underpass and sit their with the rats and stray dogs whilst getting blackout drunk. Its gonna be awesome.

      Reply

    • Mahhrat says:

      02:44pm | 25/01/12

      What about Beebop and Rocksteady?

    • esteban says:

      02:48pm | 25/01/12

      Old dogs, rats and water melon wine.

      Ever had a drink of watermelon wine?

    • ibast says:

      02:43pm | 25/01/12

      Hottest 100 and probably cooking.  Keep meaning to throw a party each year but never get around to it.

      Reply

    • Aitch B says:

      02:43pm | 25/01/12

      Pool party at the home of my band’s chick singer. Reckon I might get a cab there and back as it might be impossible to stay under the limit.

      Got some nice seasoned Angus burgers to throw on the barbie and a lovely three bean and chorizo salad to go with it.

      Probably buy some Beez Neez tonight to take with me. Failing that a few crownies and a bottle of bold shiraz will suffice.

      Lots of acoustic jamming by the pool…....... could be a huge one!!

      Reply

    • Dan Webster says:

      03:03pm | 25/01/12

      I’m gonna make a cape out of our flag and then head to the local park with a stubby. I’m then gonna chat up some hot sheila in the park and hopefully root her. Should be bonza mateys.

      Reply

    • hot tub political machine says:

      03:06pm | 25/01/12

      Going to a bbq at a friends place-but, here’s the semi-amusing part…..there is a hot tub

      Reply

    • marley says:

      03:19pm | 25/01/12

      So, naturally, you’re going to jump in it and talk politics.

    • natty says:

      03:22pm | 25/01/12

      I’m going to the Great Northern Distillery in the Swan Valley to drink rum and cocktails and try not to die from heat exhaustion. I will have to curb my drinking this year as I don’t want to chuck a sickie on Friday (it will look a bit obvious two years in a row).

      Reply
    • Tory Maguire

      Tory Maguire says:

      03:35pm | 25/01/12

      Am trying to come up with a good wet weather plan (plan A involved a picnic) So far the only thing we can think of is the pub.

      Reply

    • James V says:

      03:52pm | 25/01/12

      Wet weather plan?  And you are actually in Australia?

      You Easties make me laugh with your rain and your ‘barely over 30’ jock-rot summer!

      More confirmation that Perh and Adel have the nations best and most quintessential Aussie weather.  From a bloke that has lived in every city.

    • Baz says:

      04:00pm | 25/01/12

      I’m thinking of throwing a street party down Cronulla way, can’t see how anything could go wrong with that.

      Reply

    • Zeta says:

      04:04pm | 25/01/12

      I’m going to wake up, mix myself a breakfast cocktail, read the papers, smoke some cigarettes, take some valium, switch my phone off, and go back to sleep.

      Reply

    • LY says:

      04:23pm | 25/01/12

      I will be sleeping in, staying in my pj’s and watching dvd’s all day and I can’t wait

      Reply

    • SD says:

      08:34pm | 25/01/12

      It’s a bit pathetic that about the most pronounced way to show ‘aussieness’ is to cook a bbq. We must be able to come up with something better. I suggest an AFL game, but you wankers in the Northern states would complain, and it’s the wrong time of year anyway.  OK What are the top five demonstrations of Aussieness. I nominate. 1. BBQ, 2. a cold beer 3. Wearing a blue singlet and/or other bonds undergarments 4. expressing derision towards minorities of kind, could be race but not necessarily. (no shit, that belongs in the top 5 if you want something better, work on it, we whinge a lot!) and 5. could be any number of things but i don’t know, spending the day in the sun/great outdoors. That’s it.

      Reply

    • TheRealDave says:

      02:20pm | 26/01/12

      Great Idea! You hold the AFL game in Melbourne and Sydernee can hold the Mardi Gras! Two similar cultural events in our biggest cities.


      *exit, stage left*

    • Grommet says:

      08:45pm | 25/01/12

      A lot of non-Aussie things being done by Aussies, so stop bitching about multiculturalism! I don’t mind that stuff but the most Aussie thing would be bbq with sausages in bread and chops. No fancy marinades, just bloody sauce. To drink, cask wine, passion pop, VB and for later, Stones green ginger wine. Your mates over whos names all end in o or a, eg Robbo, Macca, Shazza who only drive Falcons or Commodores. On second thoughts that’s a pretty fucked day. Bring on the marinades!!

      Reply

    • julian thomas says:

      01:28pm | 26/01/12

      as someone who is part chinese (5th generation) married to chinese national with an aussie kid (mostly chinese blood), I can note the following, racism still exists to some extend in this country, a lot less than any other country, at least 1/2 of that racism comes from mostly 2nd- 3rd generation english australians (entilement issues), asians in general need to chill and not be so competitive (i.e. pushy), the government is no and need not be responsible for small business gains, (i.e. create a good business plan and not just for tax advantages / deductible lifestyles), we dont need state governments

      Reply

    • TheRealDave says:

      03:18pm | 26/01/12

      In lieu of a proper Open Thread (for shame) I am kinda scratching my head over news.com.au’s story on Gen Y today:

      http://www.news.com.au/national/photo-essay-the-1980s-and-how-we-lived-it/story-e6frfkw0-1226253531311

      For starters:

      BMX tracks in vacant lots: Sorry Gen X on that one, Gen Y came to the party well after the hey day of BMX.

      Donkey Kong: Don’t even try stealing that bad boy off Gen X. Gen Y can have everything after Monster Boy in Wonderland.

      A Picture of a kid sitting on dads lap in a Kingswood? Fair dinkum, thats all gen X AGAIN!

      And finally, the last bit of absurdity…a kids Grade 7 school pic from 1981…..and in the same article they state GenY was born from 1982 onwards.

      Do you News Limited people even check the stuff you print?

      Reply
 
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