Why we celebrate being Australian

On Monday we celebrate Australia Day. While the public holiday still has its critics with some calling it “invasion day’, neither of the major parties appears willing to change the date.

So, we continue to celebrate on January 26.

Irrespective, Australia Day should be about national unity and encouraging an understanding of the values that connect us across many backgrounds.

When people attend community events, citizenship ceremonies, barbecues, and cultural activities, it shows that everyone has a place in our national story. Unity does not mean ignoring differences; it means listening, acknowledging different views, and moving forward as one.

It should also be a time to consider our nation’s history, European and Indigenous, and acknowledging our challenges and celebrating our  achievements. We are lucky to have one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world with people from different ethnicities, religions, languages, and life experiences selecting Australia as their new home.

Australia Day is about understanding the experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, who have the oldest continuous cultures in the world. Recognising this history alongside our more recent past allows us to better understand one another and work toward reconciliation.

Celebrating as one nation also strengthens civic pride and highlights values such as fairness, mateship, resilience, and equality. Honouring everyday people through awards and citizenship ceremonies is a reminder of the positive contributions, big and small, that help build a better nation.

In a troubled world, coming together sends a strong message that cooperation and respect matter.

While we were united in grief and outrage following the horrific events at Bondi last month, we also saw the best in people. Syrian-born, Ahmed al-Ahmed, was seriously injured when he tackled one of the gunmen while an older Jewish couple lost their lives trying to stop the carnage from happening.

These selfless and brave acts by ordinary Australians are a reminder of what we can achieve, collectively and individually.

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