Australia Day, the annual celebration of the 1788 landing of Britain’s First Fleet, has long been a divisive national holiday in Australia. On 26 January each year, two contrasting narratives collide: one celebrating nation-building and achievement, and the other highlighting the displacement and dispossession of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. While Indigenous Australians have historically protested or boycotted the day, this year there are signs of a ‘quiet rebranding’ of the holiday, with some communities combining Indigenous storytelling with traditional festivities.
One of these communities is York, near Perth, where Noongar elder Dennis Kickett is co-hosting a celebration that aims to educate others about the significance of 26 January. Kickett’s initiative reflects a broader shift in the National Australia Day Council’s approach, which has increasingly focused on acknowledging past wrongs and celebrating the survival and enduring culture of Indigenous communities. This approach has been praised for its success in increasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation in Australia Day festivities and setting a new tone for the holiday.
However, the controversy surrounding Australia Day persists, prompting ongoing debates about its appropriateness as a national holiday. Polls indicate that roughly 60% of Australians do not see an issue with celebrating the holiday on 26 January, while younger generations show increasing support for finding an alternative date. Notable figures and brands, including the nation’s largest retailer, Woolworths, and cricket captain Pat Cummins, have voiced their desire for a more inclusive day of celebration.
The National Australia Day Council maintains that public participation in Australia Day celebrations remains strong, with demand for funding from councils and community groups higher than ever. However, sociologists warn that there is a growing trend of ‘Invasion Day’ marches and ‘Survival Day’ festivals, which highlight the need for a different date to commemorate Australia’s nationhood. Experts suggest that the current efforts to preserve and rebrand Australia Day may not withstand the test of time, particularly as younger Australians increasingly perceive the holiday as problematic.
In response to the controversy, the City of Fremantle council in Western Australia made headlines in 2017 when it moved its Australia Day events to a “more inclusive” date. The decision faced backlash from the federal government and far-right groups but ultimately won recognition for promoting Indigenous reconciliation. This year, Fremantle is taking a different approach by dedicating the entire year to a “truth-telling” exercise, aiming to educate the public about the historical implications of 26 January as the beginning of the end for Aboriginal ways of life.
Both the events in York and Fremantle demonstrate a growing desire among Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians to reimagine Australia Day, not as a day of blame or divisiveness, but as an opportunity to embrace shared history and cultures. The hope is that by acknowledging the past and fostering understanding, Australia can move towards a future where all citizens can take pride in the nation’s diverse heritage.
As discussions surrounding Australia Day continue, it is essential to approach the topic with sensitivity and respect. It is crucial to recognize the experiences and perspectives of Indigenous Australians, who bear the historical trauma associated with the date. By engaging in open dialogue and striving for inclusivity, Australia can navigate the complexities of its national holiday and work towards a more united society
