‘There is a healing that is needed, and we need to do it together.’

Yvonne Weldon, Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council deputy chair

On January 26, 1788, Captain Arthur Phillip stepped off his ship onto the shore on Eora Land and set the British flag at Warrane (Sydney Cove) into the land. This date until now marks a British Reign and a connection to the Commonwealth. There is much contention about this date, as it holds a celebration for some, and a prelude to genocide for others.

Australia Day is celebrated by Australians who wish to honour and remember their family's arrival in Australia. It marks the beginnings of their story on this land, and to them holds historical family significance.

To others, it is celebrated to mark the day they became a citizen of Australia. This is not an easy pathway and requires a knowledge test of Australian history and governance - perhaps even some ‘Australian citizens’ may not pass!

Once becoming a citizen, there are some responsibilities and privileges as seen below:

• vote in federal and state or territory elections, and in a referendum
• defend Australia should the need arise
• serve on jury duty if called to do so
• apply for a job in the Australian Public Service or in the Australian Defence Force
• seek election to parliament
• apply for an Australian passport and re-enter Australia freely
• ask for consular assistance from an Australian official while overseas
• loyalty to Australia and its people
• share Australia’s democratic beliefs and respect its rights and liberties
• uphold and obey the laws of Australia

“Australian citizenship is an important step in your migration story. Becoming an Australian citizen means that you are making an ongoing commitment to Australia and our shared values. It is also the beginning of your formal membership of the Australian community. It is the step that will enable you to say 'I am Australian'.​​​” Immigration & Citizenship

For these new citizens Australia Day marks a day of becoming Australian, and for many - creates safety and a sense of belonging.

Since 1938 there have been protests led by Indigenous people against nationalistic rhetoric that ignores what the date actually means for Indigenous Australians. A National celebration on this date is symbolically incongruent for a National celebration for ALL Australians - with beer and BBQ. Yet ‘Australia Day’ celebrations on this date have continued since 1994. Counter events honouring and recognising suffering Indigenous culture are: Survival Day, Invasion Day, and Day of Mourning events.

Ben Lawson’s 2021 poem entitled The 26th of January (Trigger Warning: This poem contains references to genocide, Aboriginal death and rape). Lawson narrates a sardonic recollection of our historical mistreatment of our First Nation’s people since this date. Lawson is involved with the “change the date” movement and uses the poem for the audience to rethink the date.

On Gadigal land (Sydney) for the televised Australia Day event this year, Danni Im will perform a rendition the song Throw your Arms Around Me (Hunters & Collectors). This song will have a Lismore contingent performing alongside her. The infamous Lismore Fijian abattoir workers. These young men are remembered in our Lismore Community and were captured in viral video and in News reports. They volunteered like many of us, but unlike us they sang collectively for the town and uplifted spirits during those devastating months of mud and boots in 2022.

“To us, it’s a Remembrance Day. We celebrate survival. We know we can’t change things that happened back then, but you have to know where you’ve been to know where you’re going. Aboriginal people have never wanted sympathy. All we ever wanted was understanding.”

Allen Madden, Gadigal Elder

As another Australia Day approaches, the question that is raised each year remains the same, "Should Australia Day be celebrated on another day if we are to move forward as a nation?" 

What’s on in Lismore on Australia Day

Eve of Australia Day 25^th 4:30pm

Gather at Lismore Heritage Park (Molesworth St. Rain or shine):

- Reflections on our History

- Songs with Luke Robinson

Bring a chair / rug, and if you like, also some finger-food. Please join us, bring along your friends and family! For more info: 02 6688 6214

Australia Day at Two Mates Brewery

Open from 11am to 8pm with a giant Beergarden super soaker water fight (BYO), pies, pizza and lamingtons, backyard games and a Shufl Tournament.

Australia day 26 January 2023 Family Fun Day

Bring your family and friends for what promises to be a great day out!

Join us from 11.30am on Thursday 26 January, as we celebrate our multicultural nation, Australia at the Lismore City Bowling Club.

There will be free kids’ activities, sausage sizzle & barefoot bowls as well as live music by the Cath Simes Band and a thong throwing competition.

Come celebrate Australia Day with us at Mary G’s!

Gather your friends and enjoy live music from the Billy Gudgeon Band starting at 6:30pm.

We’ll also have $15 burgers available from 5:00pm to 9:00pm and a pool competition starting at 6:00pm. Plus, grab a bucket of Vodka Cruisers (4 for $32) for your chance to win some ace merch! See you there! 

Australia Day Awards from 9am at GSAC on Australia Day.