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Foundation Day 1 June 1829

Foundation Day is a public holiday in Western Australia and is celebrated each year in many different and special ways.

Foundation Day, 1 June, marks a significant date in the history of Western Australia for on this day in 1829 the State’s first European settlers, men, women and children, completed their long sea journey from Britain to the Swan River Colony.  They arrived on board the Parmelia under the command of Captain James Stirling and had their first view of mainland Western Australia.  Although wintry conditions prevented them from stepping ashore on the mainland until some time later, Foundation Day has since been recognised on this date.

A Meeting of Cultures

Foundation Day commemorates the date in 1829 when there was a meeting of cultures; one that has evolved from this land over tens of thousands of years, another brought to this land from across the waters by free settlers seeking a new promised land to call home.  Over the subsequent years these have been joined by further arrivals from all corners of the world.  Each group contributes elements of its rich heritage to forge our unique, vibrant Western Australian identity and culture.

Without those who together laid the foundation of our State Western Australia as we know it would not exist.  To say we owe much to all those who have come before us is an understatement.  From the traditional custodians of the land, to the British colonists, to the waves of immigrants that followed, they were exceptional people, farsighted and determined in their belief in the viable, free, prosperous, democratic State we all share and enjoy today.

Foundation Day is a time when we pay tribute to all those who came before us and to the citizens of today who are building our future.  It also a time, when we can join in putting community endeavour on show in a spirit of pride and appreciation for the efforts and achievements of our fellow citizens, past and present.

It is a day of significance and pride to all who call Western Australia home.