Six years into the 21st century, and 217 years since the British first arrived in Australia a British monarch, and not an Australian, is still our head of state. In the last debate about a republic, the single most important idea – an Australian for head of state – was lost in a sea of infighting and political manipulation. Now, as speculation increases about John Howard’s retirement, it’s time to return to this inspiring idea, rebuild momentum, and join in a new and long-term campaign. However this year a group of republicans have come together to bring energy back to this important movement by restating its fundamental idea: that this country can only fully become itself when it has its own head of state.
To celebrate this revival the Mate For Head Of State campaign has planned a range of events and activities to start an annual festival for the republican movement. The plan: build real momentum so that we can move quickly towards a republic as soon as political circumstances improve. To join this new campaign simply go along to one of the events listed below.
A Mate for Head of State Day – Sunday 22 January 2006
Mornington Peninsula ~ Lunch at Barrymore Estate, featuring Bluegrass Band ‘Wombat Mountain Boys’
Date: Sunday 22 January 2006
Time: 12:30pm-4:30pm
Venue: Barrymore Estate (Winery)
Perth ~ BBQ breakfast on the Banks of the Swan River
Date: Sunday 22 January 2006
Time: 9-11am
Location: Burswood Picnic area, near BBQs
Brisbane ~ Sausage Sizzle at New Farm Park
Date: Sunday 22 January 2006
Time: 9:30am-11:30am
Canberra ~ Picnic lunch at Commonwealth Place, on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin
Date: Sunday 22 January 2006
Time: 12:00 noon
BYO picnic and drinks
Sydney ~ Beachside Brunch & Sausage Sizzle at North Bondi Beach
Date: Sunday 22 January 2006
Time: 10:30am-12:30pm
Venue: Biddigal Reserve, Ramsgate Avenue North Bondi (north end of Bondi Beach)
Hobart ~ Pub celebration
Date: Sunday 22 January 2006
Time: 1pm
Venue: Republic Bar & Café, 299 Elizabeth St North Hobart
Adelaide ~ Australiana trivia at the pub
Date: Sunday 22 January 2006
Time: 3pm-5pm
Venue: Osmond Room, Arkaba Hotel
Address: 150 Glen Osmond Rd, Fullarton
The Australian Republic Movement are also distributing gold ribbons for people to wear. If you would like gold ribbons, please send an email to [email protected] specifying the number required and the address to be sent to.
Senator Natasha Stott Despoja has written an opinion piece on the campaign for The Adelaide Advertiser. Click here to read it.