Leslie Massey
Australia has several public holidays throughout the year, including New Year's Day, Australia Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Anzac Day, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day. These holidays vary between states and territories, and Western Australia is no exception. Western Australia Day, formerly known as Foundation Day, is celebrated on the first Monday in June to commemorate the founding of the Swan River Colony in 1829. The state also has unique dates for Labour Day and the King's Birthday, which falls on the last Monday of September or the first Monday of October. Regional areas within Western Australia may also have their own public holidays, such as the Devonport Cup and the Royal Hobart Regatta.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | First Monday in June |
| Previous name | Foundation Day |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Started in | 1832 |
| Reason | To unite the colony's inhabitants, including settlers and Aboriginal Australians and "masters and servants" |
| Other names | WA Day |
| Date variation | If it falls on a Sunday, it is celebrated on the following Monday |
| King's Birthday | The King's Birthday is celebrated on a different date than in the rest of Australia |
| Date of King's Birthday | Last Monday of September or first Monday of October |
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What You'll Learn
Western Australia Day
The history of Western Australia Day dates back to 1829 when Captain Charles Fremantle claimed the western portion of the Australian continent, then known as New Holland, for Britain. This area, which was not already included within the territory of New South Wales, extended to the 129th meridian east of Greenwich. The merchant vessel Parmelia, carrying Lieutenant Governor James Stirling, other officials, and civilian settlers, arrived on May 31, 1829, to establish the Swan River Colony.
In 1832, Stirling decided that an annual celebration was needed to unite the diverse inhabitants of the colony, including settlers, Aboriginal Australians, and "masters and servants." He chose June 1 (or the following Monday if it fell on a Sunday) as the date for the commemoration, which was originally intended to mark the first significant British naval victory over the French in 1794, known as the "Glorious First of June."
Today, WA Day is a time for Western Australians to come together and celebrate their state's rich history, culture, and diversity. The long weekend kicks off with the Western Australian of the Year Awards, followed by free festival events held in metropolitan and regional areas across the state. These festivals showcase a range of music, from alt-rock to Aussie hip-hop. The day also serves as an opportunity to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land and pay respect to their continuing culture and contributions to the state.
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Labour Day
On 21 April 1856, stonemasons and builders in Melbourne stopped work and marched from the University of Melbourne to Parliament House to demand an eight-hour workday. Their direct action was successful, and they became the first organised workers in the world to achieve an eight-hour workday with no loss of pay. This event inspired the celebration of Labour Day and May Day.
In Western Australia, the date of Labour Day is set, but there is flexibility for other public holidays. When New Year's Day, Christmas Day, Anzac Day, or Boxing Day fall on a weekend, the following Monday is also observed as a public holiday. Australia Day, which falls on 26 January, follows the same rule, with the first Monday following the date becoming a public holiday if it falls on a weekend.
Regional areas in Western Australia may also celebrate the King's Birthday public holiday on an alternative date, usually coinciding with a significant local event.
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King's Birthday
The King's Birthday is a public holiday in Western Australia, previously known as the Queen's Birthday. The name change occurred following the ascension of King Charles III to the throne in September 2022 after the death of Queen Elizabeth II. The holiday is usually observed on the fourth Monday of September or the first Monday of October, with the date proclaimed annually by the state's governor.
The King's Birthday was first celebrated in Australia in 1788 when Governor Arthur Phillip declared a holiday to commemorate King George III's birthday. The tradition of celebrating the monarch's birthday continued, and in some cases, the date remained close to the monarch's actual birthday. For example, after the death of King George V in 1936, the holiday was observed near his birthday, which fell on June 3.
In most Australian states and territories, the King's Birthday falls on the second Monday in June, coinciding with the celebrations in the United Kingdom. However, Western Australia and Queensland have chosen to move the holiday to avoid clashes with other state holidays. The holiday falls on different dates across Australia, and it is worth noting that it does not align with the king's actual birthday, which is on November 14.
In Western Australia, some regional areas may celebrate the King's Birthday public holiday on an alternative date, usually coinciding with a significant local event or date. These variations in the observance date are listed on the Government of Western Australia website. The King's Birthday holiday is a movable feast, celebrating the birthday of King Charles III, who is not only the King of Great Britain but also of Australia, New Zealand, and 12 other Commonwealth countries.
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Australia Day
The public holiday provides an opportunity for Australians to come together and celebrate their country, culture, and diversity. It is marked by community events, parades, concerts, and fireworks displays. For many, it is a day to spend with family and friends, often enjoying outdoor activities and barbecues.
The day holds historical and cultural significance for Australians, with various communities interpreting and celebrating it in their own ways. While some see it as a source of pride and a chance to honour their country's history, others view it as a day of mourning or reflection, recognising the losses and struggles faced by Indigenous Australians since colonisation.
In Western Australia, the public holiday date for Australia Day may shift if 26 January falls on a weekend. In such cases, the public holiday is observed on the following Monday, as stated by the Western Australian Government. This adjustment ensures that the significance of the day is acknowledged while providing a dedicated day off for the working population.
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Anzac Day
The tradition of Anzac Day was originally established to honour the soldiers of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who served in the Gallipoli campaign during World War I. This campaign marked the first engagement of ANZAC soldiers in the war and resulted in significant casualties for the Australian and New Zealand forces.
The first Anzac Day commemoration took place at the Australian War Memorial in 1942, though it was a small gathering due to government restrictions on public assemblies during World War II. Anzac Day has been observed annually at this memorial ever since, with the rituals and traditions evolving over time.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the King's Birthday is a public holiday in Western Australia. It is observed on the first Monday in June, which is also Western Australia Day.
Labour Day in Western Australia is on the first Monday in March.
Western Australia Day, formerly known as Foundation Day, is unique to the state and is celebrated on the first Monday in June.
Yes, some regional areas in Western Australia may celebrate the King's Birthday public holiday on an alternative date, usually coinciding with a significant local event.
When a public holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday in Western Australia, the following Monday is usually observed as a public holiday instead.
