In Western Australia's Kimberley region, where almost half of the population is Aboriginal, there is a diversity of opinions regarding Australia Day celebrations. Some, like Cherie Heslington, a Nyikina and Bardi woman and Aarnja chief executive, advocate for changing the date of Australia Day to allow for better reconciliation and inclusivity for all Australians. Heslington believes that taking a stance against celebrating Australia Day requires courage and that a new date would pave the way for a more united and respectful national holiday.
The date of Australia Day, which commemorates the arrival of the British in 1788, holds different meanings for various communities. For many Indigenous groups, the day is known as Invasion Day or Survival Day, highlighting the historical context of colonisation. Calls to change the date or to mark January 26 as a Day of Mourning have been ongoing since as far back as 1938. In response to these sentiments, some councils, such as the Shire of Halls Creek in the East Kimberley, have chosen not to hold Australia Day celebrations as a way to respect diverse community views.
Individuals and organisations like Goolarri Media in Broome have established alternative events like the Survival Day concert to provide a platform for marking January 26 in a way that acknowledges the experiences and resilience of Indigenous Australians. By reframing the day as Survival Day, these initiatives aim to spark conversations and showcase Indigenous talents, offering a positive narrative amidst discussions of historical trauma and injustice. The ongoing debates around Australia Day celebrations in the Kimberley region reflect broader societal conversations about the nation's history, identity, and the need for reconciliation with Indigenous communities.