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.
Let's reach 100k supporters!
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 harm that celebrating “Australia Day” on Jan 26 continues to cause Indigenous Communities.
ORGS & BRANDS BACKING THE CAMPAIGN
Let's celebrate all the organisations and brands that are showing leadership and who have signed up as supporters of the 'Not A Date To Celebrate' campaign!
Proposal to end Australia Day Debate
Creating an Australian Long Weekend is one idea we believe has real merit. We’ve been thinking through with others, is a small but significant shift.
Shelley Ware explores this idea further in her Koori Mail article published on 3 Dec, 2025.
What about an Australian Long Weekend?
If not January 26, then when?
It’s a question we get asked all the time. And honestly - it’s a tricky one to answer.
But, what about an Australia Long Weekend? Let us know what you think!
Ways to help & show 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.
Update your profile pic
Change your profile pic in Jan, especially on Jan 26 and let your friends and fam know where you stand. Every little bit helps to educate and keep the conversation going.
Wear your values
JAN 26 MERCH
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.
Where are you at?
Change The Date’, ‘Abolish The Date’, ‘Day or Mourning and going about the day like it's ‘Business As Usual’ are some of the conversations we’re hearing in Community in response to the Jan 26 ‘Australia Day’ public holiday.
We have tried to capture some of the different mindsets and approaches people have to this date. So, where are you at?
If not Jan 26, then when?
RESOURCES & 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!
Surviving Invasion Day
For the Mob
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.
What happened when I wore my values on Jan 26?
It's especially important on days like "Australia Day" that we wear our values. It also opens you up to conversations about the Jan 26 public holiday and the true history of this country.
We asked our community of supporters (Mob and allies) to share about the conversations they had on Jan 26. WARNING many of these personal stories have racist content.
Why We March
