Reconciliation in Reverse: Councils Reinstate January 26 Celebrations
Recent decisions by several local councils, including the City of Greater Geelong, Strathbogie Shire, the City of Unley, and Greater Shepparton City Council and others, to reinstate Australia Day celebrations on January 26 reflect a troubling trend. This backtracking prioritises outdated narratives over the voices of First Nations Communities and highlights the rise of a political mindset that resists progress and inclusion.
For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, January 26 is a painful reminder of colonisation. It marks the beginning of loss — of land, culture, lives, and freedom — and represents a day of mourning, rather than celebration. Yet, despite years of advocacy, education, and dialogue, some councils have chosen to ignore this reality and return to celebrating the date as "Australia Day," reversing previous progressive decisions to move away from the date.
Geelong’s Decision: A “Bewildering Step Backwards”
The City of Greater Geelong’s recent vote to reinstate January 26 celebrations has sparked outrage and profound hurt among local First Nations Communities. The Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation described the council’s decision as a "bewildering step backwards" that has "caused great hurt" to Indigenous people (Geelong Advertiser, 2024). This decision, made without meaningful consultation, ignores the ongoing trauma associated with this date and undermines years of truth-telling and reconciliation efforts.
Strathbogie Shire, Unley Council, and Shepparton Follow Suit
The Strathbogie Shire Council, the City of Unley, and Greater Shepparton City Council have also reversed their earlier decisions to shift celebratory focus away from January 26. Strathbogie Shire’s move came in response to community feedback, while Unley’s reversal was influenced by a survey of only 510 people where 60% of respondents thought citizenship and awards ceremonies should be held on January 26. Greater Shepparton’s decision was attributed to similar pressures to maintain "traditional" Australia Day events.
In all these cases, the voices of First Nations people and the broader call for reconciliation were overshadowed by efforts to maintain the status quo (National Indigenous Times, 2024; ABC News, 2024). These decisions highlight the difficulty of progressing toward inclusivity when public discourse selectively centres on majority opinions, rather than justice and truth.
Prime Minister Turns Away from Truth-Telling
The silence from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on this issue has further exacerbated the problem. Despite his support for the "Yes" vote in the referendum, his refusal to engage in meaningful dialogue about the future of January 26 highlights a troubling contradiction. By not addressing the concerns of First Nations people regarding this day, the Prime Minister is ignoring the essence of the truth-telling process.
This lack of leadership leaves critical decisions in the hands of local councils, many of which are reversing earlier progress. By failing to confront the divisive nature of January 26, national leaders risk perpetuating harm and delaying reconciliation, further marginalising First Nations voices.
Why This Matters
Every decision to reinstate January 26 celebrations is a backwards step for truth-telling and reconciliation. It signals a refusal to confront the difficult truths of Australia’s past and a lack of commitment to building a future founded on respect and understanding. These choices harm First Nations people and prevent Australia from taking meaningful steps toward becoming an inclusive nation.
PETITION
Jan 26 is not a date to celebrate!
Australia often prides itself on being a diverse and inclusive nation. Yet, continuing to celebrate on Jan 26 perpetuates a national narrative that actively ignores the voices and lived experiences of First Nations people.
You can help by signing this petition which puts pressure on the Prime Minister to reconsider and recognise the profound significance of this date and to acknowledge the harm that celebrating “Australia Day” on January 26 continues to cause Indigenous Communities.
What Can We Do?
The fight for truth-telling and reconciliation is far from over. Now is the time for everyone to speak up. Write to your local councils, share your support for moving away from January 26 celebrations, and let others know why this matters.
We must amplify the voices of First Nations Communities and drown out those clinging to outdated and divisive narratives. January 26 is not a date to celebrate!
We know that there are a huge number of people who do not wish to see ‘Australia Day’ celebrations continue on January 26, and we must add our voices to this debate so that outdated opinions do not continue to dominate the narrative.
Please sign our petition and share it widely – the more signatures, the better! The power of visibly showing your support speaks volumes – download our free ‘Not a Date to Celebrate’ poster to display in your home, window, workplace… wherever!
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