What do we do for 26 January, the day Australia was invaded? For some it is a celebration of the Australian identity, for others it is a day of recognising the pain and destruction of colonisation, a day of survival, while for others it is a day of looking to connect. There are a range of events going on throughout the Byron Shire that people are invited to go to and recognise this day in a way that works for them.
Byron – Survival Day
Everyone is welcome to join the Arakwal on Country to help them celebrate the survival of Aboriginal culture in Arakwal Country at Apex Park (next to the Surf Club) in Byron Bay.
The opening ceremony will begin at 10am with a Welcome to Country followed by speeches, music, storytelling, a variety of stalls, and kids’ activities where everyone can get hands-on with engaged learning about culture on Country.
The day is supported by Country as Teacher, Byron Shire Council, and the Sisters for Reconciliation (Northern Rivers). This is an alcohol-free event.
Ocean Shores – Australia Day
The Ocean Shores Community Association (OSCA) is holding its annual Australia Day Singalong and Mullet Throwing Competition at the Ocean Shores Public School, 166 Shara Boulevard, Ocean Shores from 2pm to 5pm.
In its 20th year this popular event draws people from local and even international origins. The senior women’s champion five years ago was a holiday visitor from Russia.
Traditional rubber mullets are thrown, with championships for junior boys and girls, adult men and women. Last year’s adult male winner threw a distance of 44.3m.
Afternoon tea and drinks and the giant Aussie Day cake are served free from the canteen.
Brunswick Heads – Connection Day
Raising the enormous Aboriginal flags on Brunswick Bridge is now a local tradition and on 26 January there will be a gathering of people on Country at Torakina Park in Brunswick Heads for a connection and cultural healing day.
‘We understand that there is a lot of trauma around this day for a lot of people. Connection Day is about bringing people back to the love of country,’ Uncle Bulagun told The Echo.
‘It doesn’t matter whether you put on ochre or whether you speak language, everybody has a right to belong to Country. Everybody has a right to connect to Country and we’re coming to celebrate the love of the country that we all share.’
There will be an opening ceremony at 10am followed by a range of activities including dance troupes throughout the day, open mic, art exhibition, truth-telling with Bundjalung Elders, kids activities, music and DJs. A closing ceremony will take place at 5pm before the flags are taken down at sunset.
‘I feel that what we’re doing is putting in a seed and hopefully, over the next 10 to 20 years it will grow and it will bring people back to yubbrah yirrabal, yubbrah belogaman – that means one spirit, one blood,’ said Uncle Bulagun.
No official Australia Day activities
Byron Shire Council is not holding any events to mark Australia Day. They will hold two citizenship ceremonies on Thursday, 29 January.
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