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“I’m all for Australia Day celebrations, but January 26 is not the day”

Dec 4, 2024

At the beginning of this year, some supermarkets decided not to stock Australia Day merchandise in their stores ahead of the January 26 public holiday. 

Like many other Australians and Australian businesses, they recognised that this was not the day to celebrate.  

This week, more than 200 pubs and bars across the country announced they will not be hosting Australia Day celebrations because they too recognise that the day causes “sadness” and “hurt” for the First People of our country.  

Dr Jill Gallagher AO, CEO of the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) believes the Australian Venue Co were “very brave and very bold”. 

“While I applaud these businesses for taking a stand, I want to make it very clear, that Aboriginal leaders and organisations have not been advocating for celebrations to be stopped.  We are simply calling for another day to celebrate Australia Day.” 

“Another day when we can all come together as one to celebrate everything that it means to call Australia home. “ 

But it seems that some people still don’t get it. January 26 is a day of great pain for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.  

Dr Gallagher recognises that since January 26, 1788, Aboriginal culture has been, crushed, suppressed and hidden.  

“For decades, and even to this very day, kids are not taught the true, extensive and often brutal history of this country in schools.”  

“But they should be taught the good as well. We should all take pride in the fact that we have the oldest living culture in the world. A vibrant and rich culture that is 65,000 years strong – a culture we should all feel proud to have access to.” 

January 26 in Australia provides an opportunity for us to mourn, reflect, and learn about the true history of the country, but Dr Gallagher said it is not a day for celebration.  

“Aboriginal leaders are calling on all Australians to join us in creating a catalyst for change when it comes to January 26.”  

“It’s heartwarming to hear that more than 80 councils across the country no longer hold their citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day. They too are recognising that this is not the day for BBQs and Australian flags.” 

“Because let me be clear, I am not against people celebrating what it means to be an Australian or becoming an Australian citizen, all that we are asking for, is for these celebrations to take place on any other day than January 26.” 

She said it is time to hit refresh and create a new, inclusive day that celebrates all Australians, because celebrating Australia Day should be inclusive of all of us. 

“The tides are turning, and this week’s news tells us that we are not alone. Both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people want a change.”  

“Enough is enough. It’s time to change the date so we can all celebrate together.”

VACCHO: The backbone of support

When you’ve got the drive, you need the right support – and for Trisha and Dylan, VACCHO has been a game-changer.

Trisha, a single mum, explains how critical that support is.

‘All my money goes back to my kids back home. VACCHO helps us with accommodation and lets us cook in the kitchen. We can be ourselves here. It’s the difference between getting by and thriving.’

Dylan agrees. ‘I used to be too shame to speak,’ he says. But he credits the course – and Trisha – for his newfound confidence. As for the opportunities he’s found through VACCHO, he says they just weren’t available in in other states. ‘There’s a lot more in Victoria for Mob to upskill.’

‘Doing a course with a colleague helps us get motivated. We travel together, cook together, and keep each other going,’ says Trisha. It’s the kind of partnership that makes the grind worthwhile.

Creating a strong future by walking together

Trisha and Dylan aren’t stopping with their current roles, either – they’re thinking long-term. Trisha’s main motivation? Setting an example for her children.

‘I want to make sure my kids and Mob are taken care of, now and into the future when I’m gone.’ Her dream is to stay at Mungabareena, upskilling the next generation. ‘I want to train younger people, so the knowledge stays in my hometown.’

Dylan, on the other hand, has his eyes set on leadership. ‘I see myself being a Clinic Manager or Coordinator and opening more clinics.’ At 27, he’s already planning for growth, not just for himself but for his entire Community.

‘You build the clinics; I’ll train the staff!’ Trisha laughs.

Showing up day in, day out

Trisha and Dylan’s partnership is built on more than convenience – it’s a blueprint for how to lead by example.

For Trisha, her daughter is a key audience. ‘She’s seen my journey, and now she wants to be a midwife,’ she says. It’s about setting a visible path for others to follow. Her message? ‘It’s never too late. I’m 47, and I’m still studying. I’ll probably do another course after this.’

Dylan’s focus is on changing the narrative.

‘I want to show people that it’s never too late to turn your life around. I was a troubled teenager and I just finished a Diploma in Community Services and now I’m doing my Certificate IV an Aboriginal Primary Health Care Practice.’

Together, Trisha and Dylan are rewriting what it means to be a student, a colleague and a leader. They’re not just showing up – they’re shaping a future where Mob have the skills, confidence and community backing to thrive.

About Mungabareena Aboriginal Corporation

Founded in 1994, Mungabareena Aboriginal Corporation provides a range of services to meet the health and wellbeing needs of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in Albury/Wodonga.

The corporation supports Community through motivation, education and cultural acknowledgment – and by providing a sense of belonging and ownership.

Mungabareena is proud, strong, respectful and culturally centred – forever grounded in self-management and self-determination.

Inspired by Trisha and Dylan’s journey?

Check out VACCHO’s nationally accredited programs

Media enquiries

For further media enquiries please email communications@vaccho.org.au or contact our media unit on (03) 9411 9411.

Background 

VACCHO is the peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing in Victoria – the only one of its kind – with 33 Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations as Members. VACCHO Members support over 65,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Victoria, and combined are the largest employers of Aboriginal people in the state.