As the world celebrated a momentous occasion, Aussies everywhere were anxiously awaiting the opportunity to celebrate our own special momentous occasion with the Sydney Olympics. But perhaps no one was feeling the pressure more than a slight and speedy aboriginal girl with a big smile and the weight of a nation resting on her shoulders…
The year 2000 also saw:
– The world’s technology and computers continue to function normally as the new millennium is welcomed in with massive celebrations around the world
– The new $6.6 million Redcliffe City Art Gallery opens to the public as well as the new Redcliffe Botanical Gardens
– 250,000 people walk across the Sydney Harbor Bridge in support of reconciliation with Australian Aboriginals. The Prime Minister John Howard is not one of them
– 15 backpackers perish in the Childers hostel fire
– The Brisbane Broncos win their 5th premiership from 9 years, with a dour 14-6 victory over the Sydney Roosters
– The Sydney Olympics are held in September and are immediately hailed an outstanding success. Cathy Freeman delivers upon the dreams of a nation by winning gold in the 200m running final. IOC president Juan Antonio Samaranch hails the games as “the best Olympics EVER”
– The President’s of North and South Korea sign a peace accord, symbolically ending 50 years of animosity
– After the horror and turmoil of events in the region of Kosovo, a nationwide uprising usurps Yogoslavian President Slobodan Milosevic
– The US Presidential election, which is the closest in decades, descends into controversy when, after weeks of manual recounts, the Supreme Court orders a halt to the recount process, thereby awarding the Presidency to George. W. Bush, scion of the Bush Political Dynasty, over Vice President Al Gore
– Traffic, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, Gladiator, Thirteen Days, Wonder Boys, The Dish and Looking for Alibrandi are released
Deaths: Sir John Gielgud (21 May), Walter Matthau (1 July), Sir Alec Guinness (5 August), Charlie Perkins (19 October), Jason Robards (26 December)
