Irish down under: Send us your ‘ode to Oz’ for Australia Day

Events will be taking place all over Australia on January 26th to celebrate the country's national day.

In addition to barbecues, fireworks, festivals and concerts, citizenship ceremonies will take place across the country, where hundreds of Irish people will pledge their allegiance to Australia and become citizens.

January 26th marks the anniversary of the arrival of the first British fleet in Sydney harbour in 1788. There have been intensifying calls this year to change the date of Australia Day, as it is considered by many to be insensitive to indigenous Australians.

Will you celebrating Australia Day? Have you recently become an Australian citizen? Has Australia become 'home'? Why does the country hold a special place in your heart? Do you think the date should be changed? We're inviting readers to send us their "Ode to Oz" to mark the day. Email your piece (no more than 400 words) with a photograph to abroad@irishtimes.com. Thank you.