Australian celebrities expressed sharply contrasting views regarding the significance of Australia Day on January 26. While some embraced the day as a celebration of national pride, others highlighted its painful history and called for a reconsideration of the date.
January 26 marks the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788, a date that signifies the beginning of colonization and the subsequent violence against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The day is increasingly referred to by some as “Invasion Day,” prompting a growing debate about its implications and the need for change.
Abbie Chatfield, a prominent media personality, took to Instagram to share a satirical video portraying her purchasing ice cream for her Aboriginal friend, accompanied by a caption that read, “Paying for everything for my best friend on Invasion Day every year because he’s Aboriginal and I’m descended from convicts.” Chatfield noted that this gesture was meant as a joke, emphasizing that such acts cannot compensate for the historical injustices faced by Indigenous peoples. She also promoted the initiative Pay The Rent, which supports First Nations communities.
In a display of solidarity, Brooke Blurton, another well-known figure from the Bachelor franchise, participated in an Invasion Day rally in Melbourne. Wearing a T-shirt that boldly stated, “Not The Date To Celebrate,” she was visibly moved during a moment of silence and applauded the speeches given at the protest. Blurton’s participation underscored a commitment to raising awareness about the ongoing struggles of Indigenous Australians.
Conversely, Karl Stefanovic, host of the Today show, expressed pride in celebrating Australia Day. He shared images of his family enjoying a boat ride on Sydney Harbour, stating that Australia is a “f***ing great country.” Stefanovic criticized what he referred to as “woke” culture, defending the day’s celebration amidst the backlash it faces.
Others, like former competitive swimmer Lisa Curry, also showcased their patriotic spirit abroad. During a trip to Canada, Curry posted images of herself and her husband wearing hats adorned with the Australian flag, wishing their followers a Happy Australia Day.
While some celebrities celebrated the day, others raised their voices against it. Narelda Jacobs, a television personality, attended a local First Nations market with her family, sharing a video from six years prior where she stated that celebrating Australia Day on January 26 is “offensive to a whole group of people.” Jacobs advocated for a change in the date to foster inclusivity.
As the debate continues, the contrasting perspectives of these celebrities reflect a broader societal divide regarding the meaning and implications of Australia Day. The discussion touches on deep historical wounds and the ongoing quest for reconciliation and recognition of Aboriginal rights within Australian society.
The clash of opinions on Australia Day highlights both pride and pain, revealing the complex layers of identity and history that shape contemporary Australia. As more voices join the conversation, the future of Australia Day remains uncertain, leaving room for reflection and potential change for the nation.
