An idea for future Australia Days

The Australia Day public holiday is coming up this week. I'm sensitive to the fact that 26 January means different things to different people.

It's a day that aims to celebrate Australia, its history, achievements and our diverse people. Lane Cove Council holds a moving citizenship ceremony every year on this day welcoming our newest Australians to our community.

But it's also a painful day for many First Nations people, which is reflected in the growing movement who believe we need to 'change the date' of Australia Day.

In recognition of the complex nature of 26 January, I'm looking at ways we could encourage Lane Cove Council to adopt a Dawn Service from 2023 Australia Day onwards.

It would honour and respect the traditional custodians of the land on which we gather, the Cammeraygal people of the Eora nation, and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

If you'd like to provide input on this idea please book a time to catch up with me.