Three things to do this Australia Day
IT’S THAT time of the year again when Australians celebrate everything that makes the country such a great and vibrant place to live. If you’re in town this summer holiday, our Aussie photographer Aun Ngo offers three ideas for how you could celebrate.
Have a BBQ
What could be more Australian than having a good old fashioned BBQ on Australia Day? With weather forecasts predicting a day in the mid-20s without any rain, here is a great opportunity to call around some mates, head to the supermarket to load up on supplies, then spend the afternoon with good company while munching away on some great local produce. I’ve yet to meet an Aussie that actually “chucks shrimp on the barbie”, let alone one that calls them shrimp – it’s a prawn! So what should you chuck on the barbie? Here are some suggestions for your shopping trolley: lamb, sausages, bread, sauce, salads, beer, soft drink, water, sunscreen, lamingtons and maybe even a pavlova! Why lamb you ask? Because Sam said so…
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1cA2lBfYuc [/youtube]
Listen to Triple J Hottest 100
Another great Australia Day tradition which goes perfectly with a BBQ is the annual countdown of Triple J’s Hottest 100. In one of the worlds largest public music polls, listeners vote for their favourite songs that were released in the previous year. Past winners have included; Sex on Fire by the Kings of Leon, Knights of Cydonia by Muse, Take Me Out by Franz Ferdinand, Wonderwall by Oasis and Zombie by the Cranberries. More importantly the countdown usually features pretty heavily on great local bands and artists, the perfect opportunity to be exposed to some quality Aussie music. The countdown starts at midday at 107.5FM (in Melbourne – check here for frequencies around Australia) and can also be streamed online. See whether you can predict the Top 10! For more info check out http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/hottest100/11/
Here’s a mash up of some of the tracks that have featured in the countdown over the years
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwSwFm9n-8E[/youtube]
Get involved in the festivities
There are also many activities going on around the city that you may like to get involved with including The Australia Day People’s March down Swanston St (from the Melbourne Town Hall), concerts and programs down at Kings Domain & the Sidney Myer Music Bowl and a big fireworks display to close the night. More info can be found at http://australiaday.vic.gov.au/whats-on.html
Happy Australia Day everyone; drink water, be sun smart and have a great time!