Should we be celebrating a day that so many people mourn? What does this day represent to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People? To address what January 26 signifies for their culture and history, Capire supports changing the date of what we call Australia Day and celebrating on another day. We are a vibrant and diverse country with many different cultures and a strong history, and we should celebrate on a day that is inclusive for all.
What January 26 signifies has been an ongoing debate. Many local governments, including Moreland, Darebin and Yarra have decided it is not an appropriate date for us to celebrate our national day.
Changing the date of Australia Day, or changing the day we take the public holiday, is an action we can do to encourage discussion and work towards a solution. It’s a small and simple gesture. January 26 is the starting point for a deeper conversation about coming together and acknowledging and honouring our past, so that we can move forward. We can’t change the past, but we can all work together to make a change for the future.
To find out more, head to www.changeitourselves.com.au
