JAN 26 IS 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.
SIGN THE PETITION
We are calling for the urgent recognition that January 26 is not a date for national celebration.
This Change.org petition is now at over 100,000 signatures! Let's keep sending a clear message that Jan 26 is Not a Date to Celebrate.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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
