Western Bulldogs star Bailey Smith has weighed in on the Australia Day date change debate, calling for the celebration to be moved from January 26.
Australia Day marks the arrival of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove in 1788 and the start of the European colonisation of Australia – due to this, the day isn’t one among festivity for Indigenous Australians however of mourning.
Posting an Instagram story on Wednesday, Smith shared a put up from First Nations advocacy organisation Discuss Black detailing scheduled “Invasion Day” protests.
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“Be aware of how [you’re] spending tomorrow and present empathy in the direction of our First Nations individuals,” he wrote.
“Change the f—ing date.”
The Geelong Soccer Membership additionally posted a “reflection” on January 26 on their social media platforms.
“On January 26, we stand in solidarity with First Nations individuals and we pay attention deeply and replicate,” the membership mentioned in an announcement on Wednesday.
“We recognise this present day can be a day that marks citizenship for brand spanking new Australians.
“We’re dedicated to shifting ahead with openness and togetherness for our shared historical past, our spirit and our individuals, on a date that represents all Australians.”
A number of golf equipment advised The Age that they had plans to make statements relating to January 26 on Thursday.
Earlier this week, Australian cricketer Ashleigh Gardner known as out Cricket Australia for scheduling a world fixture on January 26.
Gardner, who’s a proud Indigenous Australian, took to social media on Sunday to denounce the choice to play a match on a date that commemorates “the start of genocide, massacres and dispossession”.
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