Australian Unity has celebrated Australia Day since 26 January 1888 when one of our founding companies, The ANA, successfully lobbied for a national holiday to commemorate the anniversary of the Foundation of modern Australia.

The ANA had a vision for the future of the Australian Colonies: that Federation was the path to nationhood and an identity that was uniquely Australian. This vision was eventually realised in 1901.

Australian Unity continues the tradition of celebrating Australia Day with our support of the Australia Day People’s March in Melbourne and by hosting the first official event on Australia Day - The Great Australia Day Breakfast.

The Great Australia Day Breakfast

The Great Australia Day Breakfast is a company tradition dating back more than 50 years. Held at Parliament House (Victoria), each year a public figure presents guests at the breakfast with the Australia Day Address.

In 2009, the address was given by the Hon Lindsay Tanner MP, Federal Minister for Finance and Deregulation. Mr Tanner spoke about the strength of the Australian character in tough times, encouraging cautious optimism in 2009. Click here to read the Hon Lindsay Tanner MP’s address.

In 2008, the address was given by Professor Geoffrey Blainey, Australia’s pre-eminent historian. Professor Blainey spoke of Australia’s history and how we came to celebrate Australia Day. Unfortunately a copy of the speech is unavailable.

In 2007, the address was given by Professor Glyn Davis, Vice-Chancellor of The University of Melbourne. Professor Davis presented his views on unlikely heroes to celebrate on Australia Day. Click here to read Professor Glyn Davis' 2007 Australia Day Address.

In 2006, the address was given by John Bell, founder and artistic director of The Bell Shakespeare Company. John presented his views on the ongoing challenge to define the Australian identity and what it is to be Australian. Click here to read John Bell’s 2006 Australia Day Address.

In 2005, Li Cunxin gave the Australia Day address on what the day means to him; to celebrate Australian achievements, the Australian spirit, and of rejoicing the fortunate life we lead and the need to help the less fortunate people in the world. Click here to read Li Cunxin's 2005 Australia Day address.

In 2004, on the 150th anniversary year of the Eureka stockade, The Hon John Harber Phillips AC gave his views of the stockade and the place it holds in Australia's history. Click here to read his Australia Day address.