Bikini-clad Aussies have boozy party in sizzling sun to mark Australia Day

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    Aussies have been getting wet, wild and really rather sunburnt as they celebrate Australia Day.

    A nation that’s not afraid to party, the good people of Australia have been taking to beaches, pools and even boats to honour the landing First Fleet at Sydney Cove in 1788.

    However the event, controversial in the eyes of many because of the impact that the arrival of European settlers had on First Nations communities, has caused division among many with some taking to the streets in protest and other to beaches to party.

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    Many on the Gold Coast cashed in on the national holiday and headed out for an evening of relaxation and good times in the sun as the mercury hovered around the sizzling 32C mark.

    Images have emerged of raucous ocean-side celebration, with BBQs and booze consumed liberally, however, the day was a stark mix of bikinis and bipolar politics.

    In the central business district in Melbourne, reports claim few Australian flags were seen while Invasion Day protests – which criticise Australia Day for only looking at the recent human history of the continent – were headlined by top politicians.

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    Elswhere, for the third year running, there was no Australia Day parade in the nation’s capital, Sydney.

    Thousands took to the streets of the city in solidarity with First Nations communities and the famous Opera House was lit up with the artwork of Kamilaroi woman Rhonda SampsonMailOnlinereports.

    Major business also reflected the growing change of mood with the country’s approach to the day, with retailer Kmart not selling national merchandise in the run-up to the holiday.

    A spokesperson Kmart told the publication’s Australian edition: “We respect that January 26 means different things to different people and we aim to foster an environment that is inclusive and respectful of both our customers and teams.

    “It is for this reason that we will also be giving all of our team members the choice of whether or not they work that day, with the option to substitute for another day.”

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