It's a day of both pride and pain: there’s so much to celebrate about Australia – but for many, 'Australia Day' is a difficult day.
The conversation about Australia Day can get fired up, divisive and accusatory. But the further apart we become, the less likely we are to reach a positive outcome. Now, more than ever, it’s important that we listen to one another, that we're informed about the facts, and that we seek to find a shared identity that includes all people who call Australia home, whether their ancestry reaches back tens of thousands of years, a hundred years or they’ve just arrived.
Are you a teacher?
This Teacher Guide can help you plan a lesson about Australia Day
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1. Attend an event
There are lots of events on all around the nation, that you can attend to show your solidarity with First Nations people. These include Invasion Day events and Survival Day celebrations.
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2. Do what you’d usually do, but commit to having a conversation about what Australia Day really means
Use the facts on our timeline to get things started. Tell someone something you learnt that surprised you. Ask them why they like to celebrate being Australian, and remember to listen and be open to hearing their point of view. Send them the link to the Pride and Pain timeline afterwards.
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3. Explore your local area
Get to know the history and culture; your local council is a good place to start. On Australia Day, you may like to attend or create your own tour, visiting landmarks that are important to local First Nations people.
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4. Learn more about our nation's history
Listen to the stories of First Nations people by watching a documentary like First Australians (SBS), or browsing the articles and stories on our website.
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5. Share our timeline on social media
It may feel like a small gesture, but it can make a world of difference for someone just starting out on their learning journey.
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6. Post an acknowledgement on social media
Pay your respects to the Traditional Custodians of the land you live on, or perhaps the land you’re spending Australia Day on. Common Grace have created a great tool to help you to do this. -
7. Enjoy and share First Nations music
This Spotify playlist has songs from different First Nations artists across a range of genres. Listen to it (or create your own) on January 26 to discover some great music you may not have heard before. -
8. Work on Australia Day and take another day off
Many employment contracts are set up to allow you to substitute a public holiday. Ask your employer for more information.
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9. Get your workplace involved
There are many ways workplaces can show solidarity, such as making a public statement of acknowledgement, attending an event or watching a documentary together during the week.
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10. Chat to your kids about our history
Answers to 5 tricky questions
Conversation surrounding Australia Day isn’t always easy. Here are answers to the most common questions we’re asked.
Learn more
Here's the full history of Australia Day.
Learn more ▸Join us on social media
We’ve created the Pride and Pain timeline to help you sort through the confusion and discover the truth about the history of our nation.
Significant dates to First Nations people
Dates all people who call Australia home should recognise and get involved in.
Planning a Welcome to Country or an Acknowledgement of Country
How, when and why to arrange Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country.
Language and terminology guide
Helpful tips to promote respectful conversation, dispel myths and increase awareness and understanding.
Connecting locally with First Nations communities
Tips for engaging respectfully with your local First Nations community.
Attending First Nations events
Tips for attending events led by First Nations people.
Australia Day: Answers to tricky FAQs
Conversation surrounding Australia Day is not always easy. Here are answers to the most common questions we’re asked.