Description

January 26 is a date that continues to divide Australia. For some it is “Australia Day”. For many First Peoples, it is Invasion Day, Survival Day, or a Day of Mourning.

In this episode of Community Conversations, host Sarah Sherry (Clothing The Gaps) is joined by Laura Thompson (Gunditjmara woman, CEO and co-founder of Clothing The Gaps) and Phil Jenkin (OAM, barrister and community activist, co-convener of the Australia Long Weekend idea) to unpack why January 26 is not a date to celebrate, how community pressure is shifting public perception, and a new proposal that aims to create a more inclusive national moment.

Together they explore symbolism and policy, cultural safety, truth-telling, and a practical alternative: an Australia Long Weekend set on the second last Monday in January, designed to keep a summer long weekend while quarantining January 26 as a day for mourning and reflection.

Key takeaways

• January 26 carries deep hurt for First Nations people, and the day often brings heightened racism and division.
  
• Symbolism matters: changing an administrative date can be a meaningful first step toward larger justice and truth-telling.
  
• The Australia Long Weekend proposal aims to keep a summer celebration without anchoring it to colonisation.
  
• Momentum is growing because the issue now impacts many Australians, including new citizens who feel uncomfortable with January 26 ceremonies.
  
• Change requires respectful dialogue, accuracy, and shared responsibility from community, media, business, and government.
  
• Links and resources:
  • Sign petition
    
  • Australia Long Weekend website 
    
  • Clothing The Gaps Not A Date To Celebrate campaign
    
  • Learn more about January 26 and its history