I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry last week when I saw headlines about bucket hats and thongs ahead of January 26.
It’s disappointing – but not entirely surprising. I’m also not surprised that the Opposition Leader appears keen to focus the narrative on 'outrage' over Australian flag stubby holders rather than meaningful discussions about the history of January 26.
January 26 is a day of great pain for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It has long been a day of mourning for us.
In 1938, the powers that be thought it would be a good idea to carry about a full-blown re-enactment of the arrival of Captain Arthur Phillip’s First Fleet of eleven ships that arrived at Sydney Cove to mark the 150 years that had passed since 'settlement' began on January 26.
The organisers even sought 'Aborigine' extras, or actors so to speak, to be part of the 'celebrations' by running away when the ships came to shore.
On January 26, 1938, the late William Cooper, Jack Patten, William Ferguson and a staunch group of Aboriginal leaders gathered at the Australian Hall in Sydney to declare January 26 a Day of Mourning in protest against the disrespectful celebrations that were taking place.
William Cooper and the late Pastor Sir Douglas Nicholls mural on Yorta Yorta land. Source: Supplied / VACCHO
It is staggering to think that 86 years on Aboriginal people are forced to relive the pain, relive the trauma. This stands in stark contrast to other countries that celebrate their national public holidays on the day their country ascended into freedom from colonial rule.
For example, the fourth of July sees the United States of America celebrate its formation and independence from Britain. Argentina on July 9th and India on August 15th celebrate their own independence from Spanish and British rule respectively.
Yet every year Australia’s longest and original citizens must remind people that January 26 is not a day for celebrations.
Since January 26, 1788, Aboriginal culture has been destroyed, crushed, suppressed, and hidden.
For decades there was very little in the schoolbooks about the true, extensive history of this country.
I remember learning about Captain Cook 'discovering' Australia as a child.
We continue to have a national public holiday for the First Fleet but nothing to acknowledge the First Peoples’ of this country.
The sad truth of the matter is – Aboriginal culture is barely visible within the landscape of this country.
It is only thanks to the sacrifice, leadership, advocacy, and tireless work of Aboriginal leaders and Elders that Aboriginal culture has any visibility at all.
We should be proud of our ancient culture in this country - it should be showcased everywhere you look.
But it’s not.
I love that we live in a multicultural nation with a diverse range of languages, religions, and beliefs.
While Melbourne boasts magnificent mosques, Sikh temples, and a Buddhist temple in Footscray, there's a noticeable absence of landmarks showcasing ancient Aboriginal culture.
When you get off the plane in Tullamarine is there anything there to show you that you’ve arrived in an ancient Aboriginal landscape with over 65,000 years of culture?
Aside from a few boomerangs in the gift shop, there’s very little. You could be anywhere.
In contrast, New Zealand proudly displays Māori culture and language everywhere you look.
There have been positive steps forward in Australia, such as the audio installation at Birrarung Marr, but more is needed to showcase and celebrate Aboriginal culture throughout the nation.
Tae Rak (Lake Condah), part of the budj bim cultural landscape. Source: Supplied / VACCHO
Inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List in August 2019, Budj Bim boasts one of the world's oldest and most sophisticated aquaculture systems.
Here, visitors can not only see but also feel the rich Aboriginal culture among ancient volcanoes, emus, and towering gum trees.
You can visualise the ancient megafauna that used to roam these lands with my ancestors like the 3-tonne diprotodon; the largest marsupial that ever lived.
While January 26 in Australia provides an opportunity to mourn, reflect, and learn about the true history of the country, it is not a day for celebration.
What we should be celebrating together as a nation is 65,000 years of rich Aboriginal culture. Our ancient culture is a gift for all Australians - and that’s something we should all celebrate and be a part of. Just as New Zealand celebrate Māori culture and the Greeks celebrate their ancient history.
Aboriginal leaders are calling on all Australians to join us in creating a catalyst for change when it comes to January 26.
A new date is needed which not only recognises everything Australia has become since January 26, 1788, but also recognises the rich Aboriginal culture and history that existed and thrived long before the First Fleet ever arrived upon these shores.
There are many alternative dates that could be suggested – such as July 30 as a herald to when the term Australia Day was used for fundraising efforts during World War I in 1915-1918.
It's time to press the reset button and create a new, inclusive day that celebrates Australia's rich, ancient culture.
A day where we can all feel included.
January 26 is not that day. January 26 hurts.
Jill Gallagher AO is a Gunditjmara woman who has been the Chief Executive Officer of the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation since 2001.
