This was the first extended conversation I had with an Aborigine

A few thousand protestors gathered around Mrs Macquarie’s Chair , a high vantage point half a kilometre east of the iconic Sydney Opera House , from whence they could boo the First Fleet re-enactment as it sailed past.

The protestors waved banners and made noise about Invasion Day, but most people ignored them.

For me, Australia Day was a party. I spared no thought for what Australia Day meant for the Aborigines . I remember listening to a fruity ABC commentator introducing some specially composed Australian music.

Australia Day is not the date on which the Colony of New South Wales was proclaimed or founded.

Captain Phillip did not get around to officially “proclaiming” the Colony until 7 February .

In 1778 , there was no storming of Sydney Cove , but the First Fleet consisted of several shiploads of convicts and a small number of guards.

The beach did not run with blood and the Aborigines kept their distance.

In truth, Australia Day commemorates a drinking party. The only thing that actually happened on the day was running up the flag and toasting the health of the King and the success of the Colony by drinking rum.

Noel Pearson suggests a second holiday on 25 January to recognise those who were here before the whites arrived.