Australia Day, celebrated on January 26, commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788 and the beginning of British colonization. However, for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, this date marks the start of invasion, loss of land, and cultural destruction. Rather than a unifying celebration, many view it as a day of mourning — often called Invasion Day or Survival Day. Critically, January 26 only became the nationally recognized date for Australia Day in 1992, making the tradition relatively recent. Tanya Hosch, social inclusion advocate and AFL executive, has said: 'When you know better, you do better... January 26 does not unite us.'
Calls to change the date have gained support from Australians across the political and social spectrum. Grace Tame, 2021 Australian of the Year, shared: 'You can’t celebrate a country’s history while ignoring the trauma of its First Peoples.' Even former Liberal Foreign Affairs Minister Alexander Downer acknowledged the controversy, stating: “I don’t have a huge problem with changing the date if it will make people feel more included.” The message is clear: unity requires truth-telling, and celebrating on a date that represents pain for First Nations people undermines that goal.
Supporters of the change are not rejecting Australia but seeking a day that honours all its people. Warren Mundine, an Aboriginal leader and Chairman of the Australian Indigenous Education Foundation, noted: 'We can find a day that unites us all, not divides us.' Likewise, Shane Fitzsimmons, former NSW RFS Commissioner, has said: 'We can show our pride as Australians in ways that are inclusive and respectful.' Choosing a new date for national celebration would allow Australia to move forward as a country built not just on freedom and opportunity, but also on truth, justice, and genuine reconciliation.
Journal and reflect on the following
Why do many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples view January 26 as a day of mourning rather than celebration?
How does the fact that January 26 only became Australia Day nationally in 1992 affect the argument for changing the date?
Grace Tame said, “You can’t celebrate a country’s history while ignoring the trauma of its First Peoples.” What does this mean to you?
What qualities should a national holiday have to make it truly inclusive for all Australians?
How do the perspectives of leaders like Warren Mundine and Alexander Downer show that support for change crosses political boundaries?
In what ways can changing the date help Australia move toward truth-telling, justice, and reconciliation?
If you could choose a new date to celebrate Australia Day, what would it be and why? What would that day represent?
Discuss
Song - Change the Date
Final Prayer
Creator Spirit, Ancient One who has walked with this land and its peoples since time began,
We come before You with humble hearts, seeking wisdom, courage, and compassion. We acknowledge the deep pain and truth held by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples — pain that echoes through generations since January 26, 1788.
We pray for a country that listens with open hearts and moves with justice. Help us to recognise that true unity is not built on silence, but on honesty, respect, and shared healing. May we be brave enough to confront the past, wise enough to change what no longer serves justice, and loving enough to create a future where every voice is honoured.
Bless those who have walked before us, who carry stories of survival, strength, and Country. Bless our leaders — Indigenous and non-Indigenous — with vision and humility. And bless every heart in this land with the courage to walk together, side by side, toward a new day, a new date, and a renewed nation where all can celebrate in truth and pride.
