Not A Date To Celebrate
We know that January 26 is not a date to celebrate.
It is a day of survival for First Nations people, and for many, a placeholder that highlights the ongoing colonial violence that continues to manifest throughout this country. The debate that arises around Jan 26 underlines ignorance and the lack of awareness and empathy present in Australia. For a closer look at this click here for ‘8 things you need to know about Jan 26’.
In some settler space, what we often see on this day are die-hard patriots bellowing their ‘Aussie pride’ and many who choose to ignore the uncomfortable truths of the public holiday, using the day as an opportunity to picnic in the park. Sometimes this is paired with remiss and an attempted display of innocence that “we aren’t actually celebrating Australia Day, we are just catching up.” But in a country that continues to systemically oppress First Nations people, complacency is dangerous.
Everyone has a role to play and a choice to be better, and neutrality is complacency.
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.
FREE POSTER DOWNLOAD
26th Jan 2025
There are events across the country that provide an opportunity to reflect, stand in solidarity, and engage with First Nations Communities. From marches, to dawn services and cultural festivals, there are many ways to participate and honour the strength and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on this day.
JAN 26 MERCH
Not A Date To Celebrate
Originally designed for January 26, this tee also applies to many other colonial dates throughout our calendar and moments in time when Truth-telling is not being centred. This tee recognises Australia’s violent past and all dates that First Nations people consider a day of mourning. This is a solidarity statement paying respects to the resistance and survival of First Nations people and highlights truth telling.
BLOG
Where are you at?
Change The Date’, ‘Abolish The Date’, ‘Boycott The Date’, ‘Redefine The Date’ and ‘Business As Usual’ are some
of the conversations we’re hearing in Community in response to the Jan 26 ‘Australia Day’ public holiday.
It’s important to note that these are not independent of each other, they’re often connected and overlapping.
We have tried to capture some of the different mindsets and approaches people have to this date. This is always evolving and changing.
If you would like to contribute your thoughts and ideas, please send us a DM. We’d love to hear from you.
4 ways to show your support this Jan 26
January 26 is a day of reflection, not celebration. As the date approaches, it’s important to acknowledge the ongoing pain it represents for many First Nations people.
This year, let’s come together to show solidarity from simple actions like displaying a poster to attending events, here are four ways you can stand with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and encourage others to reflect on the true history of this day.
Resources and Blogs
Things to do instead of celebrating genocide
Rather than being complacent and avoiding responsibility disguised as neutrality, let’s collectively channel our energy the right way to make small differences. We asked our audience, mob and allies alike, what you will be doing this January 26 instead of celebrating genocide.
Substituting the public holiday
What can you do if your values or cultural beliefs do not align with a Public Holiday?
Jan 26: The Great Pub Debate
The Australian Venue Co. (AVC) has found itself in the spotlight having made a bold move by announcing that its 200 venues wouldn’t celebrate Australia Day. But after a wave of public backlash and boycott threats, they backtracked!
for the mob
Surviving Invasion Day
Caroline Kell, Mbarbrum woman and qualified Counsellor and Founder of Blak Wattle Coaching and Consulting to share some non-exhaustive suggestions to support Mob in the lead up to and on Invasion Day (Jan 26).
These are some tips for Mob but a good read for allies.
Why we March
