Day of Mourning, Survival Day, Invasion Day, Australia Day.
Reconciliation WA recognises that, as with any community, there is a diversity of views within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities surrounding January 26. At Reconciliation WA, we believe that changing the date of Australia Day is an important step toward unity and reconciliation. It is important to factor in what Australia Day means to all Australians, and we want everyone to feel a sense of pride and belonging on this day.
We have developed a Guide which is an introduction to the Day of Mourning for individuals, organisations and community members. The guide will help you develop your understanding of why “Australia Day” is difficult for many First Nations people, provide some guidance on spreading the message, and offer some actions we can all take to make our national day of celebration inclusive for all Australians.
For many, January 26 is not a day for celebration, but instead the beginning of an unlawful invasion with devastating impacts still felt by Aboriginal communities today. Considering the recent referendum, we continue to support #ChangeTheDate, many Indigenous people are afraid they are going to see an increase in emboldened Australians’ pushing back on this important movement. Which is why we implore you now, more than ever, to take our hands, walk alongside our Indigenous brothers and sisters and stand with us in solidarity.
Because we can’t do this work without non-Indigenous allies standing alongside Indigenous people showing support.
By partaking in or sharing conversations and sharing this message, you help to encourage the advocacy, you help to encourage wider Australia to reexamine our true history and create a future which acknowledges the rich Indigenous culture that is unique and sets us apart from other countries.
Amplifying Indigenous voices
Remember the importance of positionality (where a person is located in relation to their social identities) when amplifying Indigenous voices. It is a privilege to hear stories and experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Especially if it’s around our history and might be retraumatising. When you centre Indigenous voices, it is important that they lead and guide the conversations and shape the decisions which impact their lives.
Be Brave. Be an upstander, not a bystander.
We understand there is going to be inherent resistance when people stand up for what is right. It requires bravery and tenacity. Especially after the year that has been, Indigenous people need your continued support and solidarity now more than ever. There are many ways you can be an upstander and walk alongside and support Indigenous people in solidarity.
The History of ‘Australia Day’
All states and territories have only celebrated Jan 26 Nationally as Australia Day since 1994. Prior to that every state and territory had a different date and name for the celebration.
- In SA it was Proclamation Day celebrated on December 28
- In WA it was Foundation Day June 1 (now known as WA Day)
- In TAS it was Hobart Regatta Day on December 1
- In NSW it is the ONLY state to have celebrated on the 26 January, back then it was called ‘Foundational Day’ or ‘First Landing Day’.
- In 1916, Australia Day Committee agreed on January 28 as a day to commemorate.
- The first EVER day of celebration titled ‘Australia Day’ was in 1915 on July 30 and it wasn’t to celebrate Australia, it was to raise money for the war.
So historically, Australia has celebrated on different dates under different titles amongst the different states and territories. So, it’s interesting to see people’s adverse reaction to changing a date that has only really been recognised and celebrated nationally for the past 29 years.
International Perspective
Australia is the only country that relies on the arrival of Europeans on its shores as being so significant. The USA does not choose the arrival of Christopher Columbus as the date for its national day. Many countries celebrate their national days based on key moments of independence, unification, or other significant events. Here are a few examples:
United States: Independence Day on July 4th celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, marking independence from British rule.
Canada: celebrates Canada Day on July 1st, marking the confederation of Canada in 1867.
New Zealand: celebrates Waitangi Day on February 6th, marking the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840.
South Africa: celebrates Freedom Day on April 27th, marking the first democratic elections in 1994.
India: Independence Day on August 15th commemorates India’s independence from British rule in 1947.
France: Bastille Day on July 14th marks the storming of the Bastille in 1789, a key event during the French Revolution symbolising the end of absolute monarchy and the birth of the sovereign nation.
Mexico: Independence Day on September 16th marks the beginning of the Mexican War of Independence from Spanish rule in 1810.
Germany: Unity Day on October 3rd celebrates the reunification of East and West Germany in 1990.
Brazil: Independence Day on September 7th commemorates Brazil’s declaration of independence from Portugal in 1822.
Italy: Republic Day on June 2nd celebrates the institutional referendum of 1946, where Italians voted to abolish the monarchy and establish a republic.
Ghana: Independence Day on March 6th marks Ghana’s independence from British colonial rule in 1957.
These days often reflect moments when nations defined their own paths and identities, emphasising sovereignty, freedom, and national pride.
Cultural leave for staff or Day in Lieu
Workplaces are encouraged to be more responsive to the needs of its Indigenous staff and have active conversations around staff cultural obligations and leave. January 26 should be one of the days where Indigenous staff are encouraged to approach their line manager and discuss how this day should be managed regarding cultural leave and the allowances around it.
Be public in your support.
Some simple, but effective ways to show support.
- Organisation email footers supporting ‘Changing the Date’.
- Website messages of solidarity and support. A Social media tile or website page endorsing and supporting change the date.
- Help educate about the history of Australia Day. Hold workshops and staff education training based on truth-telling sessions.
How schools can get involved
Visit our Learning Hub and go on a learning journey
Attend a Survival Day event:
Birak Concert
When: 26 January 2025, 3:00 – 7:30 PM
Where: Supreme Court Gardens, 2 Barrack Street
What: Delighting the senses with a range of music, dance and art, the Birak Concert is Western Australia’s premier celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. This event will feature an Elders Marquee, local and interstate stage performances, community stalls, workshops and a live radio broadcast. There will also be activities to keep the little ones entertained, including face painting, colouring and crafting and giant inflatables.
Cost: Free
Rubibi Survival Day
When: 26 January 2025, 4:00 pm – 11:00 PM AWST
Where: Gimme Club at Goolarri Media, Blackman St, Broome
What: This January 26th, we’re excited to open the doors to the cool, air-conditioned Gimme Club for an evening of celebration in honor of the ongoing strength and resilience of Australia’s First Nations Peoples. Join us for a night filled with powerful Indigenous performances from the Kimberley region’s leading established and emerging artists. Experience the rich history, culture, and stories passed down through song. The evening will feature incredible acts from across the Kimberley, showcasing the diverse and vibrant talent of the region.
Cost: $15 online ( + small booking fee), $20 on the door and Children under 10 free. Attendees under 18 will only be admitted if accompanied by an adult.
Reflect and Respect Film Dome
When: 26 January 2025, 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Where: Langley Park, Riverside Drive
What: The film dome will feature Koora, Koora: A Long Long Time Ago, inspired by the storybooks of respected Aboriginal Elder Theresa Walley. Six Noongar Seasons, courtesy of the Royal Agricultural Society of WA; The Story of Us, produced by Auspire; and Australian Values, supplied by the Department of Home Affairs. The films will be showing on rotation with giveaways and other entertainment throughout the afternoon.
Cost: Free