As a South African who has made Australia my home for the past 25 years, I’ve come to appreciate the rich cultural tapestry that defines this country. But I’ve also witnessed the complexities surrounding Australia Day and its celebration on 26 January.
In my homeland, we faced our own journey of reckoning with history, striving to honour diverse cultural heritages while addressing the injustices of the past.
From this perspective, I’d like to explore the significance of Australia Day, the date of 26 January, and why understanding its impact on First Nations Australians is essential for creating a more inclusive national identity. This is not a political post – simply my musings on this very divisive topic that rears it’s ugly head at this time year – every year. So if this is not for you, simply hit delete. But if you are curious as to how as a nation we could potentially do better, then please read on.
For those of you not quite on top of this debate, here’s a bit of history. Australia Day which is currently on 26 January commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet at Port Jackson in 1788 and the establishment of a British colony in what is now New South Wales. It’s a moment for barbecues, citizenship ceremonies, and community connection.
Yet, for First Nations Australians, the date represents something very different. It marks the beginning of colonisation, the loss of land, culture, and lives, and the disruption of a civilisation that has existed for more than 65,000 years. To celebrate the “founding” of Australia on 26 January is to erase this profound history and the ongoing impacts of colonisation.
As someone who has experienced a multicultural society grappling with its colonial legacy, I understand how vital it is to honour the heritage of those who came before us. Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are the world’s oldest continuous cultures, and their history deserves recognition and respect, not overshadowing.
If I look at Australia as a brand, I would describe it as The Neighbour Brand Personality – down to earth, dependable and welcoming. The Australian culture is a vibrant tapestry woven from its diverse population and rich history. At its heart, Australian culture reflects values of egalitarianism, mateship, and community.
But this debate every year just doesn’t fit the narrative.
Interestingly, the first official Australia Day was celebrated on Friday, July 30, 1915. It was held to raise funds for World War I. In 1916, the committee that organised the war fundraising effort decided to hold Australia Day on July 28. It was only in 1935 that all of Australia’s states agreed to celebrate Australia Day on January 26.
My question is, why continue to celebrate a date that brings so much pain to the original owners of this land? Why not simply change the date, so that all Australians can celebrate together? I would imagine that any other date in the 365 we that we have on offer will do. It has been changed before, so why not again?
Surely those in power can liaise with Elders and pick a date that works for everyone. Let’s be real, the reason why most of us enjoy Australia Day is because we get to have a day off work – not because of the date.
PS: I’m in favour of a July/August date as we don’t have any public holidays then and I could do with a day off. Seems like as good a reason as any to change it to me.
