Recent developments highlight a concerning trend with several local councils, including the City of Greater Geelong, Strathbogie Shire, and the City of Unley, reversing their decisions to stop celebrating Australia Day on January 26.
This backtracking prioritises outdated narratives over the voices of First Nations communities and reflects the rise of a political way of thinking that resists progress and inclusion.
These decisions deliver a devastating blow to the progress made in truth-telling and reconciliation. Instead of standing in solidarity with First Nations people, these councils have chosen to reinstate celebrations, disregarding the ongoing harm this date represents.
The Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation described Geelong Council’s decision as a "bewildering step backwards" that has "caused great hurt" to First Nations communities
At the same time, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has remained silent on the issue and rejected calls to change the date. This lack of leadership highlights the urgency of combating this regressive way of thinking, which threatens to undo years of advocacy, dialogue, and progress toward a more inclusive and honest acknowledgment of our nation’s history.
We cannot allow this political mindset to dictate our national narrative at the expense of First Nations people. Now more than ever, we must come together to demand meaningful action. January 26 is not a date to celebrate. Please share and promote this petition especially now, in the lead up to Jan 26.
Some Further Reading:
- National Indigenous Times. (2024, December 12). Victorian council moves to reinstate January 26 celebrations.
- ABC News. (2024, September 24). Unley Council reverses decision on Australia Day events.
- Herald Sun. (2024, October 25). Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation ‘devastated’ after Geelong council passes Australia Day motion.