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WELSH COMMUNITY CELEBRATES ST DAVID’S
DAY
More than 26 000 people from Australia’s Welsh community
will today celebrate St David’s Day, the Patron Saint
of Wales.
Today marks the anniversary of
St David’s death
in 589AD, and the event is commemorated through a variety
of traditional festivities.
The Australian Government Minister
for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, Peter McGauran,
said St David’s
Day was an opportunity to acknowledge the contribution
the Welsh had made to Australia.
“The Welsh first came to Australia in great numbers
during the gold rushes in the 1850s, and have made a significant
contribution to our multicultural society”, Minister
McGauran said.
“Welsh born Sir Samuel Griffith, Australia’s
first Chief Justice of the High Court, codified Queensland’s
criminal law. Sir Griffith was prominently involved in
Australia's move to Federation and played a major role
in writing the Australian Constitution.
“Artist Robert Pugh, born
in Australia of Welsh background, made a significant
contribution to Australian
culture and was subsequently awarded many accolades, including
winning the Archibald Prize three times and being awarded
the Order of Australia in 1985.
“Many Welsh in Australia have maintained their cultural
links and I offer all members of Australia’s Welsh
community my best wishes as they celebrate St David’s
Day.” Especially those going to PJ O Brien's on King
Street in the city where Welsh music will be heard and
the France Wales
game seen on screen he might have said if asked.
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