26 January: Reflecting with respect in early childhood settings

26 January is the date on which Britain’s First Fleet sailed into Sydney Harbour in 1788, beginning the colonisation that would lead to the dispossession, disruption and trauma experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. For many, it is not a day of celebration, but one of survival and mourning.

It marks the end of more than 60,000 years of self-determined custodianship of land, language, and culture – a point in history that initiated significant harm for First Nations communities and continues to affect generations today. That’s why for many Australians, 26 January is known not as Australia Day, but as Invasion Day or Survival Day.

While some continue to celebrate 26 January as a day of national pride, growing numbers of Australians, including many within the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector, are questioning whether a national day should be held on a date that causes such pain.

Very few former British colonies mark their national identity on the date colonisation began. New Zealand’s national day, Waitangi Day, commemorates the signing of a treaty intended to recognise Māori sovereignty. Many believe Australia should similarly shift its national day to one that can be celebrated inclusively by all.

In the context of ongoing division about the meaning of 26 January, early childhood professionals face complex decisions about how, or whether, to acknowledge the day in their services.

There is no single correct way to respond, but as a sector committed to inclusion, respect and critical reflection, educators can take steps to approach the date with cultural safety and empathy.

This includes seeking out voices, resources and relationships that help deepen understanding and broaden perspectives. Local First Nations communities, Elders and organisations such as Narragunnawali, SNAICC, Reconciliation Australia and AIATSIS can offer valuable guidance.

The approved learning frameworks explicitly call for the embedding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives, histories and cultures across service environments and practice. 26 January presents an important opportunity to reflect on how this is being enacted – and what might need to change.

Community Early Learning Australia (CELA) encourages educators to listen, reflect and remain open to discussion, even when it’s uncomfortable.

Tyabb Village Children’s Centre in Victoria is one service that has made a clear decision not to celebrate Australia Day on 26 January.

Instead, the day is used for annual planning and professional development, reinforcing their commitment to truth-telling and inclusion. The centre’s philosophy includes a pledge to embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives throughout programs, operations and the service environment.

Their employment letter includes the following:

“We remember the atrocities of Australia’s history and we work together with our Indigenous communities to raise awareness and improve knowledge to ensure these actions are not repeated in the present day and in our future.

That is why at Tyabb Village Children’s Centre we choose not to celebrate Australia Day in its current format. We will use this day instead, as a day of annual planning and professional development for the entire team. We do not recognise January 26th as a day of pride in Australia’s history.”

The service respects each team member’s personal views while maintaining a shared, values-driven position as a team. Staff who attend the planning day are paid for their participation in addition to their public holiday entitlements.

Every service will have its own context, community and considerations. For some, navigating this date will involve challenging conversations, with families, with each other, and with children in age-appropriate ways.

As one Aboriginal educator shared: respect and cultural understanding are critical. Demonstrating empathy for the diversity of experiences among children, families and educators is foundational to creating safe and inclusive environments.

If nothing else, 26 January offers a prompt for deep reflection, on Australia’s shared history, on the continued impact of colonisation, and on the role educators can play in creating a more just and inclusive future.