Reflecting on Australia Day: Gratitude, Awareness, and Hope
I am currently sitting in Toowoomba, so I respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the Giabul and Jarowair people of the Toowoomba region. Having been born and raised in Bundaberg, I would also like to acknowledge the Bunda, Gooreng Gooreng, Gurang, and Bailai people, who are the Traditional Custodians of the Bundaberg area. I hold deep gratitude and respect for their cultural heritage, beliefs, and relationships with the land. I recognise the Traditional Custodians for their continuing connection to the land, waters, and community. I pay my respects to their Elders past, present, and emerging.
“I love a sunburnt country, a land of sweeping plains, of ragged mountain ranges, of droughts and flooding rains.”
These timeless words from Dorothea Mackellar's poem capture the breathtaking beauty and contrasting landscapes of Australia. They remind me of the deep connection many of us feel to this land—a connection that comes with both pride and responsibility.
Australia Day, for many, is a day to appreciate the beauty and abundance of this land and the relative safety and opportunities it offers. However, it's also a day that brings with it a mix of deeply complex emotions. For many First Nations peoples, January 26 is a painful reminder of the beginning of colonisation, marking a history of dispossession and loss. It's important to remember that First Nations communities are diverse, and perspectives on this day can vary, but for many, it represents a history of profound challenges that continue today.
As I navigate this day, I feel it's important to hold space for these different experiences. It is possible to appreciate the blessings we share while also remaining mindful of the ongoing journey towards healing and reconciliation.
A Land of Beauty and Connection
Australia is a country of remarkable natural beauty. From its vast beaches and lush rainforests to its unique wildlife and sweeping outback landscapes, it is a land that inspires awe. As someone who has spent years working with children and communities, I believe it's vital to nurture a deep appreciation for this incredible environment. Simple activities like exploring local parks, planting native flowers, or learning about the Traditional Custodians of the land you live on can deepen our connection and instil a sense of gratitude and responsibility.
An Invitation to Deepen Our Understanding
Approaching this day with an open heart means being willing to listen and learn. It's about creating space for empathy and acknowledging that not all Australians experience this day in the same way. If you feel called to explore the history and cultures of First Nations peoples more deeply, it can be a meaningful way to foster greater understanding and respect.
Here are a few starting points for that journey:
Explore First Nations Stories: Reading books by First Nations authors is a powerful way to connect with different perspectives. Some wonderful starting points include Dark Emu by Bruce Pascoe, Talking to My Country by Stan Grant, and The Yield by Tara June Winch. For children, Aunty Munya Andrews has a lovely series of books.
Watch and Listen: Documentaries like The Australian Wars or Incarceration Nation offer invaluable insights. You could also listen to podcasts created by First Nations storytellers, such as Frontier War Stories or Black Magic Woman.
Support Indigenous Creators and Businesses: You can find incredible art, fashion, books, and more from First Nations creators. Exploring resources like Supply Nation can connect you with Indigenous-owned businesses.
Support Indigenous Literacy Programs:
1. Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) The Indigenous Literacy Foundation is a national charity working with remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia. They run several impactful programs. You can support them at www.ilf.org.au
2. Literacy for Life Foundation An Aboriginal-run charity training Aboriginal people to bring literacy to their own communities using an innovative, evidence-based approach. Their goal is simple but powerful: "Read to My Kids." They've achieved outstanding results:
More than 40% of Aboriginal adults have low literacy, and this foundation is changing that
They have better retention rates than existing programs
Teaching adults literacy creates a ripple effect that improves school attendance, health outcomes, employment, and community safety
100% community-led approach with 60% female graduates
You can support them at: www.lflf.org.au
For me, Australia Day is becoming a time to reflect on the complexities of our shared history and my own personal journey of understanding. By approaching the day with gratitude, awareness, and a willingness to learn, I believe we can each contribute to a future that celebrates the incredible diversity of this land and its people. Whatever your perspective and however you plan to spend this long weekend, I am grateful to live in this country and to be on a journey of understanding its complexities. I am hopeful about the future that we can create together.
Love,
Chelle ❤️
Special Education Complex Supports and Family Support Specialist
