Sydney celebrates

Press, 27 January 1988, Page 1

Sydney celebrates

ROBERT LOWE

By

“J _ — NZPA correspondent Sydney An estimated two million people crammed Sydney’s harbour and foreshore yesterday to celebrate the 200th anniversary, of the arrival of the first white se| tiers m Australia. Every vantage point on land and water was occupied for,v viewing the main events of this year’s bicentennial Australia Day. While festivities were held throughout the continent, the focus of the nation’s celebrations — and Aboriginal protest against the results of 200 years of white rule — was the city Captain Arthur Phillip helped to found at Sydney Cove on January 26, 1788. „

An. eight-month re-enactment of the voyage from Britain by the 11 vessels in the First Fleet led by Captain Phillip was completed just before midday, when sailing ships taking part in the venture laid anchor at Farm - Cove., ■ tfktsunsr by " Sydney’s Urban Traffic Authority reported “orderly chaos” round the harbour, with some minor collisions, Some people had put on period costumes, while others, not content with just waving the Australian flag, had the ensign painted on their face. The official welcoming party for the fleet included the Prince

and Princess of Wales, the Prime Minister, Mr Hawke, and the Governor-General, Sir Ninian Stephen. While the overwhelming mood in Sydney appeared to be one of celebration, there was visible dissent;.',with. Aboriginals mount-' . ing their biggest protest. ' ’ ' More than 11,000 Aboriginals and thousands more white supporters joined a march for justice, freedom and hope from Redfern, an inner Sydney suburb with a large Aboriginal population, to Hyde Park, in the city centre for a rally. Elsewhere yesterday m one incident, Aboriginal protesters hijacked a boat carrying an actor dressed up as Captain Phillip, and threw him into the water. Cartoon, page 2