What is gratitude?

Gratitude in Australian life is the recognition and expression of appreciation for kindnesses received, contributions made, and good fortune enjoyed. It is expressed in many specific ways: thanking emergency services after a disaster, acknowledging the traditional custodians of land through Welcome to Country, celebrating volunteers, and honouring everyday acts of help and contribution.

Specific institutional expressions of gratitude include the Order of Australia, the country's main civilian honour system established in 1975. About 38,000 Australians have received the Order across Companion (AC), Officer (AO), Member (AM), and Medal (OAM) levels for outstanding contributions to society. The Australian Bravery Awards recognise courage shown in saving lives or property. The Pride of Australia Medal, the Australian of the Year Awards (announced on Australia Day eve each year), the Senior Australian of the Year, the Young Australian of the Year, and Australia's Local Hero all express national gratitude to individuals making remarkable contributions.

Wartime commemoration is another major form of national gratitude. ANZAC Day on 25 April, Remembrance Day on 11 November, the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, the Roll of Honour listing more than 102,000 Australians who died in war, and the ongoing service of veterans all express gratitude to those who have served. The Department of Veterans' Affairs provides pensions, healthcare, and support for veterans and their families.

Everyday expressions of gratitude are extensive. Australian manners include routine thank-yous to bus drivers, shop assistants, baristas, and service workers. School presentations, retirement events, milestone birthdays, and wedding speeches all express gratitude. Acknowledgement of Country at the start of public events expresses gratitude to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the original custodians. Donations to charities, volunteer service, and mentoring of others are sometimes described as ways of paying forward gratitude received. Recent research has linked gratitude practices to better mental health, stronger relationships, and greater wellbeing, leading to increasing inclusion of gratitude practices in schools, workplaces, and healthcare settings.