Honouring Australia Day

Australia Day is a national public holiday in Australia that commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet of British ships at Port Jackson, New South Wales, in 1788. This day is celebrated on January 26th and is a day of national pride and celebration for Australians.

The views surrounding Australia Day among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are diverse. While some see the day as an opportunity to celebrate the endurance and resilience of their culture, others view it as a reminder of the negative impacts of colonization. For some, January 26th marks the beginning of an unlawful invasion that has had a devastating effect on Indigenous communities.

As one of the oldest living cultures on earth, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of Australia have made a profound and lasting impact on the land and the people of this country.

The rich cultural heritage of these First Nations Australians is an important part of the fabric of Australian society and their contributions to art, music, storytelling, and spirituality have shaped the nation's identity. The wisdom and resilience of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is an inspiration to all Australians and their deep spiritual connection to the land and the environment is a reminder of the importance of preserving and protecting our natural resources.

We honor and respect the legacy and ongoing contributions of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and we are committed to working towards reconciliation and creating a more just and equitable society for all Australians.