BBQs And Big Conversations

Australia Day has long been a paradoxical holiday—both a celebration of national pride and a poignant reminder of history’s complexities. This year, as a wave of national pride resurges, Australians are seeking ways to honour the day with a mindful balance that respects its layered meanings.

For many, January 26 is a day to fire up the barbecue, toss a cricket ball, and celebrate what it means to be Australian: our laid-back nature, a love for community, and a determination to thrive despite the odds. Yet, for Indigenous Australians, the date carries a weight of history that cannot be ignored—a story of dispossession and resilience.

The growing dialogue around Australia Day reflects a more nuanced national identity. The rise in thoughtful gestures, such as holding morning acknowledgments of country or participating in Indigenous-led events, shows that pride and respect can coexist. It’s not about rewriting history but embracing its lessons to unite rather than divide.

After all, isn’t the great Aussie spirit about finding creative compromises?

We’ve mastered the art of vegemite toast (a little goes a long way), so surely, we can manage a national day that celebrates diversity while fostering understanding.

We have a huge Australia Day event guide on pages 18 and 19 in this week’s edition. I’m keen to give Bridge a go, and if the weather’s good, I can see our family participating in some of the fun events planned at our local beaches. The Two Maoris are playing at Harbour Beach, which would be a nice blend of heritage for our little family.

Whether you're lighting up the barbecue or reflecting by the beach, remember that Australia thrives on its contradictions—kangaroos that don’t hop backward, football codes no one else understands, and the ability to hold two truths at once.

It’s what makes us, well, us.

Amanda

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