Founding fathers of proud nations are venerated. From an early age, children learn about their achievements and sacrifices. A King Kong-sized statue will often abound the founding city. The nation downs tools and enjoys public holidays in their honour. Worthy recognition by a grateful nation.

Not so Australia. Captain Arthur Phillip — first governor of NSW and founder extraordinaire of the settlement that was to become our great nation of Australia — has endured such vague disinterest from our historians, scholars and political leaders that it is simply extraordinary.