During the First World war the concept of a national 'Australia Day' was part of a fundraising plan where money was raised by declaring a special 'day' on which community events were held to encourage patriotic Australians to support the troops, and to contribute to the war effort. ;;In Tasmania the Australia Day Committee organised many patriotic fundraising activities including concerts, parades, the selling of Red Cross buttons, jumble fairs and stalls, street collections, raffles and public auctions. All funds collected were then given to the Executive branch of the Red Cross Society to administer and distribute to Tasmanian soldiers. ;;;;The conception of 'Australia Day' has been attributed to Mrs Ellen Wharton- Kirke of Manly, New South Wales, who suggested the idea to the then NSW Premier. At the time, she had four sons, one son in law and three brothers serving in Australian and Imperial Forces. She was later awarded a commemorative gold Gallipoli medalet in recognition of her efforts. ;;;;The original 'Australia Day' in 1915 was so successful that it was held again on 28 July 1916, but the committee soon received criticism that donations were being diverted to 'Australian troops,' as oppose to just 'Tasmanian' troops. It appears that the committee was disbanded in late 1916. ;;;;It was not until after the 2nd World War that the Commonwealth and state governments agreed to rename the celebrations on 26 January as Australia Day (formerly Foundation Day).