[Edited extract from public address]
Australia Day should be as inclusive as our country is. But current celebrations don’t include all Australians.
For Aboriginal Australians, 26 January represents a painful time in history, when Aboriginal people were killed and forced from their homes.
It’s hard to celebrate on a day of remembrance, and this means Aboriginal people in our community can’t participate in a day that’s meant to be for all Australians.
We wouldn’t celebrate Australia Day on another national day of mourning and remembrance. But while we can’t change the past, we can celebrate Australia Day on a different day.
WRG calls on the City of Whittlesea to stand with Aboriginal residents and make Australia Day a celebration we can all participate in.
The Whittlesea Reconciliation Group, or WRG, are a group of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal residents of the City of Whittlesea. Working together to make Whittlesea a more welcoming, inclusive place for Aboriginal Australians.
Sign up to show your support
Tips WRG gives to all interested in furthering reconciliation but located elsewhere:
MORE:
The Whittlesea Reconciliation Group (WRG)
Website: http://innsite.net.au/WRG/index.php/change-the-date/
There’s a lot to celebrate about being an Australian. And we need an Australia Day that includes everyone.
We’re a country that includes everyone, we take care of each other and we believe that every Australian deserves a fair go.Australia Day should be as inclusive as our country is. But current celebrations don’t include all Australians.
For Aboriginal Australians, 26 January represents a painful time in history, when Aboriginal people were killed and forced from their homes.
It’s hard to celebrate on a day of remembrance, and this means Aboriginal people in our community can’t participate in a day that’s meant to be for all Australians.
We wouldn’t celebrate Australia Day on another national day of mourning and remembrance. But while we can’t change the past, we can celebrate Australia Day on a different day.
WRG calls on the City of Whittlesea to stand with Aboriginal residents and make Australia Day a celebration we can all participate in.
The Whittlesea Reconciliation Group, or WRG, are a group of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal residents of the City of Whittlesea. Working together to make Whittlesea a more welcoming, inclusive place for Aboriginal Australians.
Sign up to show your support
Tips WRG gives to all interested in furthering reconciliation but located elsewhere:
- Showing support for existing local campaigns or starting one would mean a lot to your Aboriginal neighbours and community.
- Talk to your friends and family about why you think we should change the date of Australia Day. Share why this is important to you and to Aboriginal Australians.
- Let your local councillors know. The more councillors hear from residents, the more likely they are to support campaigns. Send an email, make a Facebook comment or give them a call to ask them to back campaigns.
- Individuals uniting in support of a greater common benefit is crucial to making any campaign a successful one.
MORE:
The Whittlesea Reconciliation Group (WRG)
Website: http://innsite.net.au/WRG/index.php/change-the-date/