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Raise a toast to all the hardworking Aussies out there on Labour Day Australia, this October 7! Ever wondered why we get to chill and have barbies on this day? The origins of this day trace back to the 1850s when stonemasons in Victoria made a united stand for an eight-hour workday without any loss in pay, paving the way for improved work conditions, globally. This day became the symbol of the workers’ struggle and victory. So, as you enjoy your day off, take a moment to remember the historical significance and regard it as more than just a welcome long weekend. Let's not only celebrate but also appreciate the spirit of resilience and grit of our workforce this Labour Day Australia!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1856</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Eight-hour Workday Movement</div><div class='timeline-text'>Stonemasons in Melbourne initiated the eight-hour day movement, rallying for eight hours of work, eight hours of recreation, and eight hours of rest.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1858</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Official Holiday</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Reconciliation Act of 1858 officially declared an annual holiday for labourers, marking the beginning of Labour Day celebration in Australia.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1891</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Shearers' Strike</div><div class='timeline-text'>Shearers' strike in Queensland initiated significant benefits for workers, leading to improved work conditions across Australia.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1912</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Labour Day Parade</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first Labour Day parade in Australia took place in Brisbane to celebrate workers' rights and achievements.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1948</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Introduction of a 40-hour Work Week</div><div class='timeline-text'>Australia officially adopted a 40-hour work week further reinforcing the principles of Labour Day.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2018</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Labour Day Today</div><div class='timeline-text'>Labour Day continues to be recognised and celebrated across Australia to commemorate the achievements of the labour movement.</div></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Gather for a community barbecue</h3><p class='facts-text'>Invite your co-workers, friends, and neighbours to a community barbecue. Sharing a meal and celebrating together is a great way to acknowledge the Aussie spirit and the hard work of all.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Participate in or host a labour rights seminar</h3><p class='facts-text'>This is the perfect day to learn more about labour rights and engage in conversations about workers’ rights. Get involved in or host an online seminar or a discussion at your local community centre.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Explore a local museum or historical site</h3><p class='facts-text'>Many major cities and towns in Australia have museums related to labour history. Visit an exhibition, historical monument or site related to the early labour movement in Australia.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Pay a tribute to the workforce</h3><p class='facts-text'>Think of ways you can honour the workforce this Labour Day. You could write a thank you note to a co-worker, leave an online review praising an exceptional worker, or purchase items from local businesses and tradespeople.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Donate to a labour-related charity</h3><p class='facts-text'>Contribute towards the well-being of the workforce by donating to charities that support workers. This could include organisations that support workers' rights, provide training for jobs, or assist individuals who have been injured at work.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It Recognizes the Dignity of Work</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Labour Day allows us to honor and celebrate the importance and dignity of work. It is an acknowledgment of the perseverance, resilience, and commendable spirit of the labour workforce, who have been integral in shaping Australia's history and present.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It Draws Attention to Workers’ Rights</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>This day is not just a day off work, but a moment to reflect on and stand up for workers' rights. It teaches us about past struggles for better employment conditions and how we can continue to support and protect these rights in the future.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Encourages Unity and Community Feeling</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Labour Day motivates us to band together as a community; whether that’s through attending a BBQ, appreciating a local vendor, or contributing to charitable endeavours supporting workers. It fosters a sense of unity and understanding and that is something to be cherished.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Labour Day in Australia Doesn’t Have a Fixed National Date</h3><p class='facts-content'>Interestingly, while Labour Day is a national public holiday, it doesn’t occur on the same date across the whole of Australia. The holiday is recognised at different times throughout the year, with states like Queensland and the Northern Territory celebrating in May, while others like New South Wales, South Australia and the Australian Capital Territory observe it in October.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Eight-Hour Day March is a Labour Day Tradition</h3><p class='facts-content'>On Labour Day in many parts of Australia, it's a tradition to hold an Eight-Hour Day march or procession. This is an opportunity for workers from different industries to come together and celebrate their contribution to society.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The First Labour Day Celebration in the World Took Place in Australia</h3><p class='facts-content'>Even though Labour Day is recognised globally now, the very first celebration took place in Australia. In 1856, workers in Melbourne downed their tools and walked to Parliament House to celebrate their victory in gaining eight-hour workdays. The protest ended with drinks, a picnic and sports.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Moomba Festival Coincides With Labour Day in Victoria</h3><p class='facts-content'>In Victoria, Labour Day coincides with the Moomba Festival, an annual event organised by the City of Melbourne which includes a parade, a water skiing competition on the Yarra River, and more. The festival allows the people of Melbourne to not only celebrate Labour Day but also the cultural diversity of their city.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Eight-Hour Day Monument in Melbourne</h3><p class='facts-content'>In Melbourne, there is a monument dedicated to the eight-hour workday movement. The Eight Hour Day monument was built in 1903 and includes a bronze statue of an Australian worker, representing the struggle and victory of workers' rights.</p></div></div>
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