While January 26 was relevant to settlers in NSW as the foundation day of white settlement, it was not so in other states where settlers fixed upon dates more pertinent to their particular colonisation.
The Commonwealth and state governments agreed to unify all differing state-based celebrations to January 26 in 1946. However, the public holiday was taken on the closest Monday. In 1994, it was decided that Australia Day should be officially celebrated as a public holiday on the actual date January 26 for all states and territories.
Since then, when that day falls on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, there is in fact no long weekend at all.
To continue to celebrate our nation on January 26 makes little sense to those who live in states outside NSW. And it makes little sense to those who live in NSW who want a time to celebrate that is all-inclusive.
By choosing a time we enjoy that is not controversial, we can all celebrate being Australian and respect our diversity, and reflect on the whole Australian story: our First Peoples’ history and culture, our British traditions and institutions, and our multicultural society.
We propose that we move the celebration of our nation from 26 January to a special Australia Long Weekend, to take place every year over the second-last long weekend in January.
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The Saturday could include official ceremonies and major events, and possibly be called Australia Day. The Monday would be declared a public holiday.
Let us paint the picture for the future.
Every year Australians celebrating over three days, always a Saturday/ Sunday/Monday at the best time of the year two-thirds of the way through January. Your choice of what to do. Go away for the long weekend. Watch the Australian of the Year ceremonies in Canberra on the Friday night including the Welcome to Country. Attend local Citizenship Ceremonies on Saturday morning followed by an Aussie Sausage Sizzle. Various cultural events in the afternoon followed by a Concert.
For sports fans, what about the Cricket Test Match or the Australian Open Tennis on the Sunday and Monday? Or catching up with friends? Going to the beach or for a hike in one of the many national parks. Time for a bit of reflection about our true history and how we can do better? Perhaps a time to be respectful to all our citizens? Or simply do none of this and just relax.
And for those in entertainment and hospitality, there is work and certainty.
What great choices for such a wonderful country to have!
And what is best about it? It is that we can celebrate knowing that all our fellow citizens are willing to do so too. It is for the Australian people, individually and collectively, to make the decision when and how we want to celebrate our nation.
This proposal is respectfully placed before the wider community for discussion and consideration, and to seek your support. It is up to us to create our own history and help unite the nation.
Phil Jenkyn is a retired barrister and community activist. He played a leading role in the successful battle to save Sydney Harbour’s headlands. He has received an OAM for his service to the environment and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Trust.
Geoff Cousins is a business and community leader and environmentalist. He was previously president of the Australian Conservation Foundation and a consultant to then prime minister John Howard. He was awarded an AM for his service to the community.
Elizabeth Elliott is a paediatrician and a professor at Sydney University. Her clinical work and research is focused on improving the health and well-being of disadvantaged children. She was awarded an AM for her services to paediatrics and child health.
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