When travelling with sustainability in mind, we must always take into consideration the local communities. As a site about sustainable travel with a focus on Australia, the topic of Invasion Day, or Australia Day is important to understand. No matter whether you are Australian, a migrant or an international traveller. Because one of the four pillars of sustainable tourism ‘Cultural Impact’ is about making sure we are collaborating and recognising the local cultures and indigenous people. In Australia, they are also referred to as the First Nation’s People (or First Peoples). This includes the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
Australia day, or as it is getting more commonly called ‘Invasion Day’ or ‘Survival Day’ has been a growing issue. It has been causing more and more frustration amongst all Australians.
History of Australia Day aka Invasion Day
January 26, 1788 was the day that Britain established a penal colony in Sydney. This was the first British colony in Australia, and the beginning of colonisation (more on the history of Invasion Day here).
Originally Australia’s national day was different for every state. Called various names such as Foundation Day, Anniversary Day, and even Proclamation Day. It wasn’t until 1994 that the country celebrated altogether on January 26. They started calling it Australia Day then (read more about the different state’s dates here). This was long after the FIrst Nations People declared this date as a day of mourning.
Many people celebrate the day as a thought to celebrate the beautiful country we call Australia. Over the years, Australia Day involved naturalisation events for immigrants, sporting events, public ceremonies and festivities, often ending in fireworks. Many Australians would celebrate with parties, bbqs and backyard cricket.
However until recently the dark side of Australia Day has not been widely talked about. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people feel that the celebrations are too nationalistic. And that there is not enough thought, respect or recognition of the Indigenous people of Australia. And also how the European settlement has affected them. Not to mention that the government and people turned the day of mourning into a celebration.
There are debates about what the day means, and how we should celebrate it. Also whether we move the date or even abolish Australia Day altogether.
Australia Day Aboriginal Perspective – Controversy of Invasion Day
For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the 26th of January marks the beginning of everything they lost. It is seen as a day of grieving and mourning, and is often called Invasion Day, or Survival Day.
As previously mentioned, the Aboriginal people declared January 26 as a day of mourning, before the British Australians marked the day as Australia Day.
Celebrations of Australia Day need to be redefined to include the voices of the First Nation’s people, and to properly recognise their cultures.
Aboriginal people tend to feel excluded from what is a British settler celebration at its roots.
Moving forward, we need to forge a path forward where all Australians feel comfortable and happy celebrating the day.
In recent years, there has been increased discussion for a need for a more inclusive national day that includes the diverse stories and cultures of all Australians. This can be seen with increasing amounts of people from all backgrounds joining dawn services, marches, protests and mournings being held countrywide.
Celebrate Australia: Alternate dates ideas instead of Invasion Day
January 26 marks what is increasingly being called ‘Invasion Day’. It is a date of disconnection for many in the community, and there is a push to stop celebrating a date that is so hurtful and insensitive to the First Nations’ people.
Some people want the day to be abolished altogether. There is also a movement to change the date, so that we can celebrate Australia and all that it is, on a day that is more suitable for all Australians. However many people still want the opportunity to celebrate the Australia Day we have now and see no reason to change the date. The government is showing no intent to change it at this stage.
Changing the date of Australia Day does not mean that we no longer celebrate Australia. Instead it would mean that we change the date to one that more accurately represents what we are celebrating and what Australia is, a diverse country with vast history and cultures.
Changing the date wouldn’t change history or make everything right. However it would begin many conversations and pay respect to history and be part of working towards a more inclusive community.
Here are some dates that have been talked about as possible alternatives to Australia Day
There are still many who disagree with changing the date and still wish to celebrate the great country that they see Australia as, and wish to continue celebrating Australia Day as January 26. And there are also still many Australian who still don’t fully understand the significance and impact this day has on First Peoples, or say they simply go not care.
The trends are however moving towards more and more Australians (especially younger ones) supporting the changes. It is likely that in the next few years more and more Australians will steer away from January 26 (read more on the trends and research on public opinion here).
What To Do On Australia Day
A lot of councils, groups, organisations, institutions and communities across Australia are announcing that they will not be celebrating on January 26. Instead they will be standing in mourning with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
One example is Triple J, a popular Australian radio station, holds an annual “Hottest 100”, showcasing the top voted songs of the previous year. Originally it was held on Australia Day every year. But in 2017 they changed the day to be away from Australia Day as a sign of respect to First Nation Peoples. It is now held on the fourth Saturday of January, unless that Saturday falls on the 26th that year, and then they hold it on the Sunday.
Read more here.
Some are instead having inclusive events that showcase Aboriginal culture. Even big supermarket chains have stopped selling Australia Day Merchandise (which has caused huge discussions and even outrage by some).
Everyone must decide for themselves what is appropriate, together. But it is a good idea to not be a neutral bystander and ignore the cultural effects that Australia Day has on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. We must take personal responsibility for reconciliation.
On Australia Day, you could do these ideas to include the history and culture of all Australians:
- Wearing a t-shirt or pin to support First Nations
- Going to a protest, rally, dawn service in your area, or go to an event that showcases Aboriginal Culture. Look for events run by the Indigenous communities – this may be an art exhibition, a performance or a talk.
- Doing something in nature to appreciate the land and environment
- Ignoring the holiday altogether
- Choosing an activity that supports First Nations brands or businesses, or donating to them
- Spending time on First Nations culture, watching movies, listening to music, checking out some art, reading books
- Starting conversations to reflect on the ongoing journey towards reconciliation
How to support First Nations People year-round
- Learning about the true history of Australia and also how Aboriginal people are still being affected today
- Starting conversations, being a voice, sharing things about it on social
- Supporting indigenous businesses, especially when buying Aboriginal Travel Souveniers.
-Here are a two great business to check out: Deadly Wears & Clothing The Gap - Wearing a pin to say you support and are an ally
- Calling it out if you see or hear racism or discrimination
- Advocating for change that helps Indigenous people
- Ensure you are doing a Welcome to Country or Acknowledgement of Country at any event you host to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land and the traditional name of the area. If you attend an event where this doesn’t happen, talk to the organises to request they do this next time.
Recognising the diverse cultures and histories that shape the land we now call Australia is becoming more important. There is a quickly growing awareness that we need a culturally sensitive approach to Australia Day. One that both acknowledges the joys of unity and diversity but also the challenges we have.
Let’s discover how we can collectively make Australia Day, or any national holiday, a day of understanding and celebration for all Australians.
Sign up for our newsletter to stay tuned for updates. We will be interviewing First Nations Peoples about how to better support them. Together we will learn to travel around Australia with more respect and be more sustainable.
