A more inclusive Australia Day that’s always a long weekend.

Every year the debate about the date of Australia Day sparks national conversation.

A new campaign is gaining traction with a solution that balances celebration, reflection and the Australian love for long weekends.

The campaign proposes that Australia Day always fall on a long weekend pre-dating January 26. Under this plan, the public holiday would be celebrated on the Monday, with the date varying between January 18 and 24. This change would allow Australians to enjoy a true long weekend while maintaining January 26th as a day for solemn reflection on the nation’s history and the impact of colonization on Indigenous Australians.

“I proudly signed the petition because it offers a meaningful compromise,” said Andrew Anthony, Wollongong City Councillor. “There is one thing Australians love more than a public holiday, and that’s a long weekend! This change means we can still celebrate our shared identity as a nation in January while leaving the 26th as a day to reflect on our history. It’s a small change with significant meaning, and I feel it’s something the Australian Government should certainly consider as it provides a way for us to come together in a way that respects all perspectives.”

This proposal seeks to address concerns raised by Indigenous Australians and advocates who view January 26th as a painful reminder of colonization, often referred to as “Invasion Day.” By separating the public holiday from January 26th, Australians can honour Indigenous perspectives while celebrating the nation’s identity on a long weekend that has broader appeal.

The campaign has already gained significant momentum, with supporters emphasizing that this change is about inclusivity, respect and ensuring that Australians can come together in a way that reflects the diverse and complex history of the country.

The petition and more details about the campaign can be found online

I encourage all Australians to consider their support for this initiative to help create a more inclusive and balanced approach to celebrating Australia Day.

https://www.australialongweekend.com.au/