My grandfather protested against Australia Day in 1938. We'll never have a reason to rejoice on that day
7 years, 2 months ago

My grandfather protested against Australia Day in 1938. We'll never have a reason to rejoice on that day

ABC  

Eighty years ago on Friday, my grandfather donned a black suit as a sign of mourning and in the hot summer heat, marched in silence through the streets of Sydney. One of the first civil rights protests by Indigenous people against their callous and discriminatory treatment in Australia, the gathering was not allowed to enter via the front door when they arrived at the Australian Hall in Elizabeth Street — the protesters were instead told to enter through the back. 'Give us the chance' Aborigines Progressive Association president Jack Patten addressed the historic meeting, convened to call for an inquiry into the treatment of Indigenous people on government missions and to call for equal rights. Call for land rights Nearly 50 years after that historic meeting, during the 1988 bicentenary celebrations, the year we didn't celebrate '88, an estimated 40,000 people again marched through the streets of Sydney on January 26 to once more draw attention to the mistreatment of Aboriginal people. The inescapable reality is that Australia's current national day excludes and alienates our people — 80 years after my grandfather marched the streets in a fight for equality, the time to change the date is here.

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History of this topic

Indigenous rights activists protest on Australia Day
2 months ago

Indigenous rights activists protest on Australia Day

The Hindu  

Tens of thousands of Australians protested over the treatment of Indigenous people on Sunday as the country celebrated a national holiday marking the 1788 arrival of British colonisers. Crowds rallied in Sydney, Melbourne and other cities on Australia Day, decrying the high incarceration rates, poor health and historic persecution of the continent's first inhabitants, whose ancestry stretches back 60,000 years. …

Australians celebrate and protest the anniversary of British colonization
2 months ago

Australians celebrate and protest the anniversary of British colonization

Associated Press  

MELBOURNE, Australia — Australians celebrated and protested across the country on Sunday as Australia Day drew attention to political differences over Indigenous rights months out from a federal election. Acknowledging the hurt that Australia Day causes many Indigenous Australians, the most disadvantaged ethnic group that accounts for 4% of the population, many businesses refer to the ”January long weekend” rather …

When is the Australia Day public holiday this year?
2 months, 1 week ago

When is the Australia Day public holiday this year?

ABC  

Australia Day is this weekend. This Sunday is Australia Day, but the public holiday will be on Monday. But when the next one is depends on where you live: ACT: Canberra Day — Monday, March 10 Canberra Day — New South Wales: Good Friday — Friday, April 13 Good Friday — Northern Territory: Good Friday — Friday, April 13 Good …

No-nonsense Indigenous woman says what many are thinking about Australia Day: 'It's a date'
2 months, 2 weeks ago

No-nonsense Indigenous woman says what many are thinking about Australia Day: 'It's a date'

Daily Mail  

Do you have a story about Australia Day? Email: max.aitchison@mailonline.com A female truck driver has unleashed on critics of Australia Day, calling on her fellow Indigenous residents to 'celebrate being an Aussie' on January 26. 'Firstly, I'm a proud Australian and I celebrate Australia Day. 'I find it disrespectful from anybody, or any corporate company for that fact, who decides …

Anthony Albanese dodges major Australia Day question - after Peter Dutton promised huge overhaul
2 months, 2 weeks ago

Anthony Albanese dodges major Australia Day question - after Peter Dutton promised huge overhaul

Daily Mail  

Anthony Albanese has refused to be drawn on Peter Dutton's commitment to force councils to hold Australia Day events on January 26. The Prime Minister was pressed on the issue after the Opposition Leader announced on Monday he would make it mandatory for for councils to hold citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day. The Prime Minister was pressed on the issue …

'Woke' council makes massive Australia Day decision following outcry from residents
6 months, 1 week ago

'Woke' council makes massive Australia Day decision following outcry from residents

Daily Mail  

One of the largest local governments in Western Australia has reversed a decision to ditch Australia Day celebrations following an outcry from locals. The City of Rockingham Council, in Perth's southwest, had announced in May last year that all celebrations relating to Australia Day would be held on the closest Saturday to January 26. The survey found that 64 per …

Australians protest British colonization on a national holiday some mark as ‘Invasion Day’
1 year, 2 months ago

Australians protest British colonization on a national holiday some mark as ‘Invasion Day’

Associated Press  

SYDNEY — Thousands of Australians protested the anniversary of British colonization of their country with large crowds Friday urging for Australia Day to be moved and for a day of mourning on the holiday some call “Invasion Day.” The holiday marks the arrival of 11 British ships carrying convicts at Port Jackson in present-day Sydney on Jan. 26, 1788. Thousands …

Australians protest British colonization on a national holiday some mark as ‘Invasion Day’
1 year, 2 months ago

Australians protest British colonization on a national holiday some mark as ‘Invasion Day’

New Indian Express  

SYDNEY: Thousands of Australians protested the anniversary of British colonization of their country with large crowds Friday urging for Australia Day to be moved and for a day of mourning on the holiday some call “Invasion Day.” The holiday marks the arrival of 11 British ships carrying convicts at Port Jackson in present-day Sydney on Jan. 26, 1788. Thousands of …

Sunrise host Nat Barr calls out Anthony Albanese over Australia Day: 'Most Australians are getting sick of this'
1 year, 2 months ago

Sunrise host Nat Barr calls out Anthony Albanese over Australia Day: 'Most Australians are getting sick of this'

Daily Mail  

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has defended Australia Day traditions and revealed he will be participating in events on January 26. Barr asked agriculture minister Murray Watt if PM Anthony Albanese should be showing more leadership on the Australia Day row The PM said January 26 'commemorates the founding of the colony in New South Wales, but also in recent times, …

Generational war erupts over Australia Day: Baby boomer issues scathing message to Aussies who oppose January 26 - as Gen Z woman pushes 'change the date' and cuts off her mates who voted No to the Vo
1 year, 2 months ago

Generational war erupts over Australia Day: Baby boomer issues scathing message to Aussies who oppose January 26 - as Gen Z woman pushes 'change the date' and cuts off her mates who voted No to the Vo

Daily Mail  

It's a celebration of all that is best about Australia or a day of deep national shame, depending on who you ask. Bonnie, a soon-to-be nursing student who works at Ivy nightclub in Sydney's CBD, said she would not be celebrating Australia Day and would most likely be working. YES 2254 votes NO 283 votes Now share your opinion Mr …

Australia Day focuses on Black recognition in constitution
2 years, 2 months ago

Australia Day focuses on Black recognition in constitution

Associated Press  

CANBERRA, Australia — Australians marked the 235th anniversary of British colonization Thursday with a public holiday that evokes anger at Indigenous injustice, focusing national attention on a new government push to acknowledge Australia’s first inhabitants in the constitution. There are growing public calls to change the date of Australia Day, which is known to many Indigenous people as Invasion Day …

Australia Day focuses on Black recognition in constitution
2 years, 2 months ago

Australia Day focuses on Black recognition in constitution

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. There are growing public calls to change the date …

Thousands protest ‘invasion’ on divisive Australia holiday
2 years, 2 months ago

Thousands protest ‘invasion’ on divisive Australia holiday

Al Jazeera  

Australians rally in support of Indigenous rights on the anniversary of the day the British colonial fleet sailed into Sydney. Australians rally in support of Indigenous rights on the anniversary of 'Invasion Day,' the day the British colonial fleet sailed into Sydney 👇 🔗: https://t.co/ZnD3QuHSoC pic.twitter.com/pS57f19qqx — Al Jazeera English January 26, 2023 Indigenous poet Lizzie Jarrett said Sydney was …

How the 1938 Day of Mourning launched the modern January 26 rally
2 years, 2 months ago

How the 1938 Day of Mourning launched the modern January 26 rally

ABC  

Sydneysiders woke on January 26, 1938, to a warm, clear day of festivities to celebrate 150 years since British colonisation. "Every Australian knows who Dr Martin Luther King Jr is, or would know who Malcolm X is or even possibly Rosa Parks," Mr Patten said. They gave impassioned speeches, mourning the loss of Country, freedoms and fellow mob, and passed …

Thousands rally for 'Invasion Day' protests on Australia Day holiday
2 years, 2 months ago

Thousands rally for 'Invasion Day' protests on Australia Day holiday

NPR  

Thousands rally for 'Invasion Day' protests on Australia Day holiday Enlarge this image toggle caption Rick Rycroft/AP Rick Rycroft/AP CANBERRA, Australia — Australians marked the 235th anniversary of British colonization Thursday with a public holiday that evokes anger at Indigenous injustice, focusing national attention on a new government push to acknowledge Australia's first inhabitants in the constitution. Sponsor Message The …

What you should NEVER do on Australia Day
2 years, 2 months ago

What you should NEVER do on Australia Day

Daily Mail  

Social media influencers are using their platforms to share tips on how young people can show their opposition to the celebration of Australia Day - and the activities revellers should avoid. Wiradjuri, Gomeroi and Awabakal user Meissa Mason has suggested people working on 'Invasion Day', who wish to support Indigenous people, donate their bonus public holiday rates Wiradjuri, Gomeroi and …

The Australian Open will do nothing to celebrate Australia Day
2 years, 2 months ago

The Australian Open will do nothing to celebrate Australia Day

Daily Mail  

Australian Open organisers have chosen not to stage any events marking Australia Day as they seek to avoid conflict over the under-fire national holiday. Patriotic Aussie fans won't be able to attend any Australia Day events at Melbourne Park on January 26 Tennis Australia is refusing to mark the national holiday because it's become too divisive 'We acknowledge the historical …

Melbourne councillors vote to review January 26 celebrations ahead of Australia Day 2023
2 years, 8 months ago

Melbourne councillors vote to review January 26 celebrations ahead of Australia Day 2023

ABC  

Melbourne City Council could dump Australia Day celebrations as part of its journey to reconciliation. Key points: Melbourne City Council is launching a review into Australia Day celebrations All but two councillors voted in favour of the motion The review is to be tabled and debated on September 6 Councillors on Monday night voted in favour of a motion put …

Melbourne City Council could scrap Australia Day celebrations
2 years, 8 months ago

Melbourne City Council could scrap Australia Day celebrations

Daily Mail  

Australia Day celebrations could be scrapped in Melbourne as the city's mayor works to create 'unity, rather than division' around the national holiday. Melbourne City Council Lord Mayor Sally Capp held a meeting on Tuesday night where the majority of the city's councillors voted in favour of a review into how January 26 would be marked in the future. Australia …

Four Australians share why they don't celebrate Australia Day
3 years, 2 months ago

Four Australians share why they don't celebrate Australia Day

ABC  

As an Aboriginal person, I know I have roughly two weeks into the new year before I have to start preparing myself mentally for January 26. "I have no connection to that date, and it wasn't until I finished high school and started working that people made it a 'thing' to celebrate January 26," the marketing manager says. "Long before …

Chris Hemsworth calls for Australia Day to be moved to a different date
4 years, 2 months ago

Chris Hemsworth calls for Australia Day to be moved to a different date

Daily Mail  

Chris Hemsworth has called for the date of Australia Day to be changed. 'Let's begin the healing and stand together in unity': Chris Hemsworth has called for Australia Day to be moved to a different date 'Indigenous Australians may be just as proud of this country, but many see January 26th as a date signifying the beginning of dispossession, disease …

Australia divided on January 26th with packed beaches packed and Invasion Day protests
4 years, 2 months ago

Australia divided on January 26th with packed beaches packed and Invasion Day protests

Daily Mail  

Australian hasn't been as divided on our national day holiday as we were on January 26, 2021. Two women celebrate the national holiday on the back of a boat as temperatures soar on the Gold Coast Protesters in Melbourne raise their fists in the air as they call for an end to black death in custody A glamorous blonde woman …

January 26 is a reminder that Australia still hasn't reckoned with its original sin
4 years, 2 months ago

January 26 is a reminder that Australia still hasn't reckoned with its original sin

ABC  

This is who I am. Australia is better because a new generation of First Nations people are raising their voices: smart, angry, insistent and irrepressible. Australia is better for our contributions It is better because of so many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have believed in this country even when it did not believe in them. Australia is …

Australia Day celebrated across country as speakers urge reflection, unity
4 years, 2 months ago

Australia Day celebrated across country as speakers urge reflection, unity

ABC  

Australia Day has been commemorated and celebrated around the country, with more than 12,000 new citizens welcomed. New Australians ACT - 20 NSW - 2,884 NT - 186 QLD - 3,906 SA - 1,122 TAS - 316 VIC - 1,706 WA - 2,488 Nationally - 12,628 Source: Dept of Home Affairs At the national flag-raising and citizenship ceremony in Canberra, …

Thousands march in Australia for Indigenous recognition
4 years, 2 months ago

Thousands march in Australia for Indigenous recognition

Al Jazeera  

Demonstrators in major cities demand the national day be changed in honour of the country’s Indigenous people. Thousands of people in Australia defied public health concerns and protested against the mistreatment of Indigenous people on ‘Australia Day’, the national holiday marking the 1788 arrival of the British First Fleet that is known as ‘Invasion Day’ by Aboriginal people. “Until they …

Explainer: What is Australia Day, why protests, Cricket Australia's stance, Margaret Court controversy
4 years, 2 months ago

Explainer: What is Australia Day, why protests, Cricket Australia's stance, Margaret Court controversy

The Hindu  

India will mark its 72nd Republic Day this year on January 26. Cricket Australia has decided to drop the term ‘Australia Day’ in promotions for Big Bash League games scheduled on the public holiday. This move drew criticism from Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison who asked Cricket Australia to ‘focus on the cricket.’ "I think a bit more focus on …

How to talk about not celebrating Australia Day
4 years, 2 months ago

How to talk about not celebrating Australia Day

ABC  

For a lot of young Aussies, January 26 is about going to the beach, having a barbeque with mates and indulging in a few bevvies. “Rather than me preaching it, or, you know, just talking at her, she then started asking me questions.” Ms Thunig explained that January 26 only became the Australia Day public holiday in 1994 and before …

Australia Day debate is exhausting and data tells us it could last another generation
4 years, 2 months ago

Australia Day debate is exhausting and data tells us it could last another generation

ABC  

"Sometimes it's just about surviving Survival Day," said a friend who is feeling exhausted three weeks into January. Every year, January 26 rolls around, and each time the same debate about our national day floods the country's consciousness — and for some of us it can feel tiringly predictable. A similar poll from the ANU's Social Research Centre in 2019 …

‘Invasion Day’ seeks to reclaim what Aboriginal Australians lost
5 years, 2 months ago

‘Invasion Day’ seeks to reclaim what Aboriginal Australians lost

Al Jazeera  

For Australia’s indigenous people, Australia Day represents colonisation and dispossession of their land since 1788. There’s no element of that Aboriginal people can relate to.” As an alternate name to Australia Day, the protest organisers now refer to the event as “Invasion Day”. Onus said, “Calling it Invasion Day is the most frank and honest way you could really describe …

Indigenous youth in remote Australia share their ideas on #changethedate
5 years, 2 months ago

Indigenous youth in remote Australia share their ideas on #changethedate

ABC  

As rallies encouraging Australians to #changethedate and #paytherent attract crowds across major cities, the situation in Western Australia's far north will be markedly different. "Changing the date for the Kimberley people won't change the suicide rates, it won't affect our drug and alcohol problem up here, we have other priorities at hand," he said. 'The values that I see celebrated …

Activists gather at dawn to hold Invasion Day rallies in protest
5 years, 2 months ago

Activists gather at dawn to hold Invasion Day rallies in protest

Daily Mail  

Before the sun even rose in Victoria on Australia Day, mixed emotions about the national holiday were on full display in Melbourne. Hundreds of people attended a dawn service marking what they say is Invasion Day - which aims to counter celebration of the January 26 anniversary of the First Fleet's arrival in 1788. Spectators attend a vigil on the …

The debate around changing the date of Australia Day is raised on I'm A Celebrity
5 years, 2 months ago

The debate around changing the date of Australia Day is raised on I'm A Celebrity

Daily Mail  

While the mood is usually light on the set of I'm A Celebrity. A few of the stars were seated around the campfire while celebrity chef Miguel Maestre prepared dinner, when Dale Thomas mentioned Australia Day. stars including Tom Williams and Dale Thomas clashed over changing the date of Australia Day on Thursday's episode 'I know, I don't want to …

Australia Day protests: Tens of thousands march against 'celebration of colonisation and genocide'
6 years, 2 months ago

Australia Day protests: Tens of thousands march against 'celebration of colonisation and genocide'

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Tens of thousands of people …

Australia Day: Why it’s so controversial
6 years, 2 months ago

Australia Day: Why it’s so controversial

CNN  

CNN — “This used to be the greatest country on Earth, but we’ve lost the plot.” It might just be a commercial – Australian Lamb’s annual As Australians deal with a record-breaking heatwave, environmental devastation and a sixth prime minister in just over a decade, the annual fierce debate over the country’s national day might be the thing that pushes …

The culture war taking place in your own backyard: Local councils and the politics of Australia Day
6 years, 2 months ago

The culture war taking place in your own backyard: Local councils and the politics of Australia Day

ABC  

Australia Day divides us like no other public holiday on our national calendar. In a manner reminiscent of the earlier "black armband/white blindfold" history wars, the 26 January Australia Day holiday now represents one of our nation's longest running points of cultural contention. More recently, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has echoed his predecessor's view, tweeting in response to Byron Council's …

Australia Day date change urged by young girl in heartfelt letter written in texta
6 years, 2 months ago

Australia Day date change urged by young girl in heartfelt letter written in texta

ABC  

A young girl has pleaded with the nation's leaders to move Australia Day because "it's a day for the Aboriginal people to feel sad and I don't think that's right". Key points: The ABC obtained nearly 20 letters, written between 2014 and January 2018 Most of the correspondence supported moving the day The Coalition has recently strengthened its support for …

Australia Day: Nearly 80 per cent of voters want national day to STAY on January 26
6 years, 2 months ago

Australia Day: Nearly 80 per cent of voters want national day to STAY on January 26

Daily Mail  

An overwhelming majority of Australians continue to reject calls for the country's national day to be moved from January 26, according to new polls. An overwhelming majority of Australians reject calls for the country's national day to be moved from January 26, according to new polls Polling commissioned by right-wing think tank the Institute of Public Affairs showed just 10 …

Scott Morrison suggests new Indigenous national day instead of moving Australia Day
6 years, 6 months ago

Scott Morrison suggests new Indigenous national day instead of moving Australia Day

ABC  

After rejecting calls to change the date of Australia Day, Prime Minister Scott Morrison says there could instead be another national day to celebrate Indigenous people and culture. Key points: PM floats the idea of a new national day to recognise Indigenous culture Frontbencher Ken Wyatt, an Aboriginal man from WA, backs idea and suggests holding it during NAIDOC Week …

Anti-Australia Day activist wants date to be changed
7 years, 2 months ago

Anti-Australia Day activist wants date to be changed

Daily Mail  

High-profile Aboriginal model and Invasion Day activist Aretha Brown, 17, says Australia Day is the only time of the year that anyone 'gives a sh**' about indigenous affairs. Amid an increasingly divisive debate over the date of Australia's national day, Ms Brown said January 26 would be better served as a national day of mourning. Scroll down for video Indigenous …

Nigel Scullion says Indigenous people haven't raised Australia Day date issue with him
7 years, 2 months ago

Nigel Scullion says Indigenous people haven't raised Australia Day date issue with him

ABC  

Indigenous Affairs Minister Nigel Scullion claims not a single Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person has approached him about changing the date of Australia Day. Key points: Indigenous affairs adviser Chris Sarra told 7.30 earlier this week celebrations on January 26 were "dividing Australia" Senator Scullion claims no-one from the Indigenous community has raised the issue with him Changing the …

Australia Day: Most Australians don't mind what date it's held, according to new poll
7 years, 2 months ago

Australia Day: Most Australians don't mind what date it's held, according to new poll

ABC  

Do we need to change the date of Australia Day? Key points: Less than half of respondents identified the First Fleet as the reason why January 26 is the current date Greens leader Richard Di Natale says the results demonstrate "a great opportunity to move the nation forward" Nearly half — 49 per cent — of those surveyed believe Australia …

Australia Day dividing Australians and excluding Indigenous people, says Professor Chris Sarra
7 years, 2 months ago

Australia Day dividing Australians and excluding Indigenous people, says Professor Chris Sarra

ABC  

The date of Australia Day is dividing Australians and excluding Indigenous people, according to one of Australia's most influential Aboriginal voices. Key points: Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull disappointed by calls to change Australia Day date Professor Chris Sarra says the date excludes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people The government believes changing the date is a denial of history "Regrettably …

Australia Day: Greens to use local council numbers to lead #changethedate push
7 years, 2 months ago

Australia Day: Greens to use local council numbers to lead #changethedate push

ABC  

The Greens are planning to use their numbers in local governments across the country to spearhead a push to move Australia Day, following successful moves to cancel celebrations in several council areas in Melbourne and Western Australia. "We've got over 100 Greens councillors right across the country and we're making sure this is a conversation the entire community engages in," …

Sydney's Australia Day celebrations should be moved, says independent MP Alex Greenwich
7 years, 2 months ago

Sydney's Australia Day celebrations should be moved, says independent MP Alex Greenwich

ABC  

The harbour city's Australia Day celebrations should be moved from January 26, according to independent MP for Sydney Alex Greenwich, who says he felt uncomfortable on the date last year. "It was the day that brutal colonisation started and it was horrific for Australia's first people," he said. Boycotting Australia Day 'un-Australian' The issue of changing the date continues to …

Australia Day: Five years ago, Flinders Island community quietly axed celebrations
7 years, 2 months ago

Australia Day: Five years ago, Flinders Island community quietly axed celebrations

ABC  

Remember when Fremantle council in Western Australia axed its Australia Day festivities last year and sparked a nation-wide debate? "For me personally, I had always had an issue with the Australia Day celebration being on what many in the community refer to as Invasion Day," he said. FIAAI CEO Maxine Roughley said the Flinders Island Aboriginal community viewed Australia Day …

Aboriginal elder slams Melbourne councils re Australia Day
7 years, 7 months ago

Aboriginal elder slams Melbourne councils re Australia Day

Daily Mail  

An Aboriginal elder has hit out at Melbourne councils for scrapping their Australia Day celebrations on January 26 and says the move will 'pull everyone apart again'. Aboriginal elder Gordon Workman has slammed the decision to scrap Australia Day Mr Workman, a leader in Blacktown in Sydney's west, said the decision would 'create a divide' City of Yarra mayor Amanda …

Australia Day: Locals cheer despite PM's warning over Yarra ending references to national holiday
7 years, 7 months ago

Australia Day: Locals cheer despite PM's warning over Yarra ending references to national holiday

ABC  

In the cafes of Brunswick Street — "hipster central" in Melbourne's inner north — local residents were largely in favour of the controversial move by the City of Yarra to stop referring to January 26 as Australia Day. "I agree, like it's Invasion Day we should change the date really it should represent something that should include all Australians," Maddie …

Australia Day protesters clash with police in Sydney
8 years, 2 months ago

Australia Day protesters clash with police in Sydney

Daily Mail  

A fight has erupted between police and thousands protesting 'Invasion Day' after a man allegedly tried to set fire to a flag. Shocking footage shows an officer grabbing a protester around the waist and pushing him the ground as another leaps at his face As the man was pushed to the ground, other protesters seemed to become angry and tried …

January 26: What would it take to change the date of Australia Day?
8 years, 2 months ago

January 26: What would it take to change the date of Australia Day?

ABC  

In 1996 and 1997, the National Australia Day Council toured the land consulting the people about "key issues around national identity". Here's the 1996 report: We should use the opportunity of Australia Day, where almost 6 million people attend activities and events, to invite Australians to reflect upon issues pertaining to national identity and national values. For 2017, Fremantle Council …

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