Australia day – What you need to know
Today is Australia Day and before you think it’s all just shrimps on the barby, think again. We chat with Australian founded, Glandore Dublin Members, Partners in Performance about how they celebrate, favourite foods (Vegemite – yay or nay?) and how you can make the most of Australia Day here in Ireland.
What is Australia Day and how do people celebrate?
Every January 26th, Australians flock in packs to the beaches with their coolers full of shrimp and other BBQ favourites to throw on the Barbie and a Victoria Bitter beer in their hands. The date marks the arrival of the first fleet of British ships to arrive in Australia and is the largest annual holiday in the nation.
When you lived in Australia, what did you miss the most about Ireland?
TK Lemonade, tea cakes and sausages. Sometimes having to drive 40 minutes to the nearest Irish shop to get a taste of home.
Vegemite. Yes or No?
People told us that we would get used to the taste and grow to like it. Never did – too salty!
What are some traditional Australian dishes or foods?
They are big into seafood. They also love their Tim-Tams and Fairy Bread, which is sliced white bread with butter and sprinkles. And you cannot forget lamingtons, an Australian sponge cake coated in chocolate sauce and rolled in coconut.
Home and Away or Neighbours?
Home and Away, hands down. More Irish people watch Home and Away than Australians themselves.
What are the most popular sports to watch?
Cricket, Rugby and AFL. AFL stands for Australian Football League also known as Aussie Rules and is a contact sport that can been seen as a combination of soccer, rugby and GAA. Australian football has the highest spectator attendance of all sports in Australia.
Tell us something about Australia that people may not know.
Many people living in Australia celebrate Christmas in July. With Australia’s European heritage, many people associate Christmas time with cold weather. With July generally being the coldest winter month, people will typically rent a house with a group of friends and escape to the mountains, to celebrate their Christmas in July. While it is not meant to replace the real Christmas, it is an extra celebration that continues to grow in popularity each year.
Partner in Performance’s mission is to achieve big, rapid, sustainable, continuously improving results. Find out more about Partners in Performance here.
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