Australia Day falling victim to cultural change, but our honours system still has value

A selection of Australia Day honours. Picture from Prime Minister and Cabinet

CHANGING social values are threatening to put an end to the current version of our national day.

For many Australians, the importance of Australia Day lies simply in its status as a public holiday. A day off work that marks the end of the Christmas and New Year period, and for children, the imminent resumption of the school year.