<P> In 1888, all colonial capitals except Adelaide celebrated "Anniversary Day". In 1910, South Australia adopted January 26 as "Federation Day". </P> <P> In 1915 a committee to celebrate Australia Day was formed, and the date chosen was 30 July, on which many fund - raising efforts were run to support the war effort . It was also held in July in subsequent years of World War I: on 28 July 1916, 27 July 1917, and 26 July 1918 . </P> <P> Victoria adopted January 26 as Australia Day in 1931, and by 1935, all states of Australia were celebrating 26 January as Australia Day (although it was still known as Anniversary Day in New South Wales). The name "Foundation Day" persisted in local usage . </P> <P> The 150th anniversary of British settlement in Australia in 1938 was widely celebrated . Preparations began in 1936 with the formation of a Celebrations Council . In that year, New South Wales was the only state to abandon the traditional long weekend, and the annual Anniversary Day public holiday was held on the actual anniversary day--Wednesday 26 January . The Commonwealth and state governments agreed to unify the celebrations on 26 January as "Australia Day" in 1946, although the public holiday was instead taken on the Monday closest to the actual anniversary . </P>

When did we start celebrating australia day on 26 january