Australia Day is the day set aside to commemorate the arrival of Captain Arthur Phillip and the First Fleet at Sydney Cove on 26th January 1788. On the day of his arrival, Captain Phillip proclaimed the area that became the colony of New South Wales to be a British possession. This landing started the first permanent European settlement on this island continent. During the early nineteenth century the anniversary was called 'Foundation Day' and was usually marked by sporting events. Horse racing was popular in the 1820s, then Regattas became popular in the 1830s. One of these, the Anniversary Regatta which was first held in 1836, is still held on Sydney Harbour on January 26 each year. Now called the Australia Day Regatta it is the oldest continuous regatta in the world.   Australia Day has become a community day. There are still formal ceremonies around the country - flag raising, citizenship ceremonies and the presentation of community awards - but the day now belongs to the people. The celebrations now actively encourage participation of all Australians, regardless of age, ethnicity and culture. Australians now view the celebration of our national day as a significant and important event.