Our First Nations peoples are the traditional custodians of our beautiful lands and waterways and have a fundamental role in the great Australian story. We aspire to an Australia Day that can increasingly include a recognition and celebration by all Australians of the importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to our nation.
January 26 is a day with multiple meanings. Some consider it a day of mourning, others a day to acknowledge our past and to respect and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ survival, resilience and enduring culture.
Our national day provides an opportunity to reflect on our complete and complex history, and to understand that acknowledging and reconciling our past helps lay a path to a stronger future.
It's a time we can all reflect on and learn about our national journey including the ongoing history, traditions and cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Respectful Engagement
The National Australia Day Council encourages local councils and community groups to proactively engage with local Indigenous groups to hold inclusive events on Australia Day that authentically reflect on our history and culture.
This includes fostering constructive, respectful discussions about the contributions of all Australians.
Welcome to Country & Acknowledgement of Country
There are many ways to appropriately Acknowledge Country or Welcome to Country, so it is key to learn and understand the differences between them and why they are important.
Incorporating Acknowledgement of Country and Welcome to Country into meetings, gatherings and events shows respect by upholding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural protocols.
Respectfully Engaging First Nations Peoples
Acknowledging Country
AN INCLUSIVE DAY
Local councils, not-for-profit community groups and local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities have come together to collaborate on hundreds of meaningful and respectful events.