NSW governor recalls Australia Day pain, urges Australians to write a different story

The New South Wales governor recalled the pain of Australia's Aboriginal people on Jan. 26. Governor David Hurley spoke to a crowd during an indigenous ceremony on Sydney Harbour and remembered that 229 years ago on the same day, the First Fleet took place. But Australians have the chance to write a different story, which can be achieved through hard work and reconciliation.

Hurley acknowledged that the First Fleet had a huge impact on people, families and culture. He said he is working to ensure that the 1967 referendum that will allow Aboriginal people to be part of census will be completed soon as it would serve as the beginning of a journey to equality.

"Like everyone here and everyone around Australia I am keen for the work that started in 1967 to be completed sooner rather than later, in whatever form it takes," Hurley assured the crowd. The NSW governor admitted that it’s hard, but it has to be done and urge Australians to be an example of having it done.

“Let’s make good dreaming,” Hurley concluded. The governor’s speech followed the earlier ceremonies, which include the smoking ceremony, an ancient tradition among Indigenous Australians in which various native plants are burned to produce smoke. The practice is believed to have cleansing properties and ward off bad spirits.

The Australian and Aboriginal flags were raised past 8 a.m. Aboriginal elder Aunty Jacinta Tobin performed a song titled “Let's Sing up Good Dreaming.” She was accompanied by 250 voices in a choral piece.

The Tug & Yacht Ballet at past 1 p.m. and the firework display at Darling Harbour at 9 p.m. are other events to look forward to around the city. Tug & Yacht Ballet is a spectacular display of nautical precision as a fleet of 10 yachts and two powerful tugboats tack in unison to music.