January 26^th has always been a contentious and divisive choice for our national day of celebration. Over the past few years, a critical mass of public opinion has seen the date shift from a day clothed in red, white and blue, complete with parade and fireworks, to one of reflection, sorrow and introspection as we come to terms with the injustices dealt to our Indigenous population. What is the point of a national day if it permanently reminds us of the issues that manage to divide us rather than unite?

If January 26^th isn’t going to be our national day of celebration, what date will be? Our forebears in their infinite wisdom decided that the Commonwealth of Australia was to be born on 1 January 1901, a date already taken by New Years’ Day. Even then, we were still Dominion of the British Empire. But do we really need our national day of celebration to be based on a historical event? What if we celebrate what Australians truly want from a national day – a day off. What’s more Australian that a day off for the sake of a day off? There’s no need for any underlying historicity, just celebrating time off work to spend with family, friends and whoever else you want in your life, in whatever way you want. That is the true drawcard of any celebration. It’s a time for us all to sit back, relax and appreciate what we have for a day and enjoy the fruits of our nation’s labours. Want to slip on some thongs, tie an oversized Australian flag around your neck and have a barbie? Go for it. Want to celebrate your family’s migrant history and culture in your own way? Why not! It should be a day to celebrate all the benefits our country has given us and how each of us and our different backgrounds has helped contribute to this great country.

But what date would this day of unity be? If it’s not tied to any historical event, it still needs a date. Maybe that can be equally as relaxed. Perhaps the PM could do a blind draw, one hand drawing a month out of one bucket and the other hand drawing a date. This could be done once, giving us a permanent yearly date, or at the start of each year depending on how absurd we want to be. Although, I propose omitting the months with poor weather.

However, it’s important to remember that not all Australians are entitled to a day off. Some of us are essential workers. These are our fireys, nurses, police, ambos, transport workers and many others. While we celebrate any day off from work, we would do well to remember that not all of us are entitled to such a day. Maybe that’s where our national day off could add a bit more depth of feeling. Have a beer for your mate that can’t because they’re at work. Regardless, what could be more Australian than celebrating a national day of unity that exists solely for the sake of having a day off.

By J.A. Kimberley