Invasion? Survival? Always was, always will be
Louise van Rooyen - Beamafilm
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26/01/2024
For some, Australia Day is about beaches and barbeques, while for others it is the deepest day of mourning or a day for attending activist rallies. There's no doubt that as a nation, Australians again find themselves challenged to reflect on what it is to be Australian as they celebrate their national day. Many nations observe a National Day, but in Australia, it is observed on the anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet, the day the British first arrived to settle and occupy the Australian continent. Using the date of January 26 to observe Australia Day is becoming increasingly contentious, with some Australians now choosing to label the day as 'Invasion' or 'Survival' Day.
Nations choose different occasions to mark their National Days, the most common being celebrating the day they gained independence from colonial rule, such as in India where it is also celebrated on January 26th. Other nations like the United States or Indonesia celebrate the day they became independent from an occupying force. In France, they celebrate the storming of The Bastille and French Guinea celebrates the day slavery was abolished. Canada Day is the anniversary of the unification of three separate British Dominions, while in New Zealand, Waitangi Day commemorates the day a treaty was signed between the Maori and the Pakeha. It is hard to find any other nation that observes its National Day on the anniversary of the arrival of the colonists since the purpose of a national day is to celebrate unity with a shared focus that all citizens can enjoy. The controversy surrounding Australia Day highlights the need for Australians to be able to come together to celebrate what it is that unites them all, without any form of reservation.
'Always Was': Australia Day is more than just a public holiday; it's a chance to acknowledge and honour the First Nations people who shaped their great nation for tens of thousands of years. 'Always Was, Always Will Be' is a slogan that reminds us to pay homage to Indigenous Australian peoples who have been the custodians of the land since time immemorial. From the Dreamtime stories to the vibrant traditions that continue to thrive, Australia Day is a day for appreciating the depth of Australian roots.
'Always Will Be': Australia is now a melting pot of cultures, and diversity is now the strength of Australia. For Australia Day 2024, there is also a kaleidoscope of traditions, languages, and cuisines that can be celebrated for making Australia truly unique. Australia Day is a day to embrace a richness of cultural tapestry and celebrate the unity that comes from diversity.
'Always Is': the Aussie spirit is something that can't be contained—wild, adventurous, and undeniably infectious. From sun-kissed beaches to the rugged Outback, there are no bounds for our love of this vast and beautiful great Southern land. Australia Day 2024 is undeniably a time to take great pride in celebrating an extraordinary nation and unleashing the Aussie Spirit.
Reflecting on the Past, Shaping the Future: as we celebrate Australia Day this year, let us be sure to look back, pay respect to the past and the present and look ahead. Australia Day must be a time to envision a future for generations to come, considering how we can contribute to a more inclusive, sustainable, and harmonious Australia acknowledging the possibility of finding a more appropriate date for the celebration. So, let us honour the past, embrace the present, and chart a course for an even brighter future. Stream from our Always Was, Always Will Be watchlist to find your inspiration! 🇦🇺
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