At Women’s Health Goulburn North East, we believe that January 26th is not a day to celebrate. To show our support for First Nations peoples, our team will be working on the public holiday, taking off another day that is meaningful to them.
Despite many years of vocal community support to change the date, Australia remains the only former British colony that celebrates its national day on the anniversary that colonisation commenced. For First Nations peoples, January 26th represents a day of trauma and mourning – it is a reminder of when the dispossession of their rich cultural history and connection to country began.
Instead of celebrating on January 26th, we’ll be taking the time to listen to First Nations voices, reflect on our own privilege and how we can take meaningful action to show solidarity with First Nations people. We’ve included some resources below on steps you may wish to take to show solidarity and support.
What are some ways to be a good ally?
- Check out the Amnesty International Invasion Day Toolkit, which includes lists of events in your area, information on Invasion Day and how to attend events safely and details on current Indigenous Justice campaigns
- Share social media content you have found helpful or information, such as Common Ground, Stop Black Deaths in Custody and Pay the Rent
- Support a First Nations business or collective, such as Clothing the Gap
- Learn more about First Nations perspectives on January 26th. Watch the powerful video below, and also check out First Nations voices across media including The Koori Mail, IndigenousX and NITV.
Do you need support?
January 26 and its leadup can be a difficult time for First Nations people. If you need to talk to someone for some extra support, we’ve included a list below (compiled by YACVIC) of free services that you can access:
- 13YARN: 24/7 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander crisis support line via call on 13 92 76.
- Mental Health for Mob: non-crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people only via text on 0435 135 992 or Instagram DM at @MentalHealthForMob.
- Brother to Brother: 1800 435 799
- Djirra: 1800 105 303
- YarnUp: wellbeing resources for First Nations young people.
- WellMob: online social and emotional wellbeing resources.
- Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800
- Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
- QLife: 1800 184 527
- Suicide Call Back Service: 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention via call on 1300 659 467, webchat or video chat
- Lifeline: 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention via call on 13 11 14.