You would be surprised with how many Americans keep asking me if we celebrate Christmas back home. They find it laughable when I then tell them it’s in the middle of summer. So, as always, I intend on making it easier for everybody by listing below the recognised dates and significant events of 2004. Take note ‘cos you’ll be better off to chuck a sickie here.

January

1 – New Year’s Day*

26 – Australia Day*

February

9 – Regatta Day* (TAS)

March

1 – Labour Day* (WA); First Day of Autumn

7 - Clean Up Australia Day

8 – Labour Day* (VIC); Eight Hours Day* (TAS)

12 - NRL Season Kick-off

15 – Canberra Day* (ACT)

April

1 - April Fools' Day

9 – Good Friday*

10 – Easter Saturday*

11 – Easter

12 – Easter Monday*

25 – ANZAC Day* (observed Mon 26)

May

3 – Labour Day* (QLD); May Day* (NT)

9 - Mother's Day

17 – Adelaide Cup Day* (SA)

26 – State of Origin I

June

1 - First Day of Winter

7 – Foundation Day* (WA)

14 – Queen’s Birthday* (except WA)

16 – State of Origin II

July

7 – State of Origin III

August

1 – Horses' Birthday

2 – Bank Holiday* (ACT, NSW); Picnic Day* (NT)

11 – Brisbane Show Day** (QLD)

Septembr

1 - First Day of Spring

5 - Father's Day

October

3 - NRL Grand Final

4 – Labour Day* (ACT, NSW, SA); Queen’s Birthday* (WA)

7 – Launceston Show Day* (TAS)

21 – Hobart Show Day* (TAS)

November

1 - Recreation Day** (TAS)

2 – Melbourne Cup Day** (VIC)

11 - Remembrance Day

December

1 - First Day of Summer

25 – Christmas Day* (observed Mon 27)

26 – Boxing Day* (observed Tue 28); Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race

28 – Proclamation Day* (SA)

* - denotes public holiday; ** - denotes regional observance only