2.1 First Peoples and History
Key Takeaways
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are Australia's First Peoples and have the oldest continuous cultures and traditions in the world.
- Respectful civic practice includes recognising Country, Traditional Custodians, and Elders through Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country protocols.
- European settlement began when the First Fleet arrived at Sydney Cove on 26 January 1788, a date studied with both testable facts and respectful historical awareness.
- Federation occurred on 1 January 1901, when the six colonies united as the Commonwealth of Australia under the Australian Constitution.
- Anzac Day is commemorated on 25 April, while Australia Day is observed on 26 January and can involve celebration, citizenship ceremonies, reflection, and differing community views.
Why this history matters
The citizenship test expects you to connect Australian identity with people, place, and shared civic memory. This means knowing testable dates such as 26 January 1788, 1 January 1901, and 25 April, while also understanding that Australia's story begins long before European settlement.
The safest exam approach is to learn each event in context. A date is rarely just a date: it usually points to a people, an institution, a national day, or a responsibility of respect.
First Peoples and Country
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are Australia's First Peoples. Aboriginal peoples are historically from mainland Australia and Tasmania. Torres Strait Islander peoples are from the islands between the northern tip of Queensland and Papua New Guinea.
The official citizenship resource describes these cultures as the oldest continuous cultures and traditions in the world. It also presents Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures as diverse, living cultures with deep connection to land, waters, language, stories, art, dance, and community.
| Term | What to remember for the test |
|---|---|
| First Peoples | Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are the original inhabitants of Australia. |
| Country | Country refers to traditional lands and waters, plus continuing cultural connection and responsibility. |
| Traditional Custodians | Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people connected to a local area. |
| Elders | Respected cultural leaders and knowledge holders, often acknowledged as past and present. |
| Welcome to Country | Given by a Traditional Custodian of the local area. |
| Acknowledgement of Country | A respectful recognition of Traditional Custodians; it may be delivered by anyone. |
A citizenship ceremony or public event may begin with a Welcome to Country or an Acknowledgement of Country. These protocols are not just formal words. They show respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and recognise their continuing connection to Country.
Key historical markers
| Marker | Testable meaning |
|---|---|
| Before 1788 | Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples lived on and cared for Country for tens of thousands of years. |
| 26 January 1788 | The First Fleet arrived from Great Britain and settlement began at Sydney Cove in the colony of New South Wales. |
| 1851 gold rushes | Gold discoveries helped drive population growth and migration. |
| 1 January 1901 | The six colonies federated as the Commonwealth of Australia. |
| 1967 referendum | Australians voted to allow Aboriginal people to be counted in the Census and for the Commonwealth to make laws for Aboriginal people. |
Federation is a major exam word. Before Federation, Australia was made up of separate British colonies. On 1 January 1901, those colonies united as a federation called the Commonwealth of Australia. The Australian Constitution came into force and established national democratic institutions, including the federal Parliament and the High Court.
Australia Day and Anzac Day
Australia Day is observed on 26 January. For the test, connect the date to the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788 and to public ceremonies, including citizenship ceremonies. A balanced understanding also matters: many Australians celebrate the national community on this day, while many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians experience the date as a time of mourning or reflection because it marks the beginning of British colonisation and dispossession.
Anzac Day is commemorated on 25 April. It is named after the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, whose soldiers landed at Gallipoli in 1915 during World War I. The day is a solemn national occasion for remembering Australians who served and died in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations.
Exam traps to avoid
- Do not treat Australian history as starting in 1788. The First Peoples were here long before European settlement.
- Do not confuse 1788 with 1901. First Fleet is 1788; Federation is 1901.
- Do not confuse Australia Day with Anzac Day. Australia Day is 26 January; Anzac Day is 25 April.
- Do not say an Acknowledgement of Country must be delivered only by a Traditional Custodian. That rule applies to Welcome to Country.
- Avoid current officeholder names. The test is about institutions, dates, roles, and values.
At a community citizenship event, the chair gives an Acknowledgement of Country before the formal program begins. What is the main purpose of this practice?
Which option correctly matches the event with the date or meaning tested in Our Common Bond?