SUPPORTERS share their thoughts about the proposed idea for an “Australia Long Weekend”.
THE IDEA to move Australia Day to the second last Monday in January creates the “Australia Long Weekend” every year for everyone. This is the best time of the year to celebrate our nation, with the Monday public holiday varying from year to year between 18 and 24 January.
”This proposal has the best chance of receiving popular support across our diverse nation. If you want a change, this is the only viable alternative.”
Co-Convenor James Woods is a businessman and lawyer based in Melbourne. He has established the website proposing that Australia Day be moved to the second last Monday in January as part of an Australia Long Weekend.
“The time is ripe for a national conversation about this idea, to help move our diverse nation towards reconciliation and a better future for all”
Elizabeth Elliott is a professor of Paediatrics at the University of Sydney. Her clinical work and research is focused on improving the health and well-being of disadvantaged children. She was awarded an AM for her services to paediatrics and child health.
“This is an idea that all Australians can embrace. Let’s spread the word and make it happen!”
Co-Convenor Phil Jenkyn is a retired barrister and community activist. He played a leading role in the successful battle to save Sydney Harbour’s headlands. He has received an OAM for service to the environment and the National Trust’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
“January 26 represents invasion and dispossession, not celebration. Moving the national holiday to a January long weekend is worth considering.”
Laura Thompson, a Gunditjmara woman, is CEO and Co-Founder of Clothing The Gaps, amplifying First Nations voices through fashion. She successfully led Free the Flag and now drives Not a Date to Celebrate, a campaign with over 72,000 supporters.
“A great idea. This is above party politics, and really should be supported by everyone, including all our elected representatives”
Geoff Cousins is a business and community leader and environmentalist. He was previously president of the Australian Conservation Foundation and a consultant to then prime minister John Howard. He was awarded an AM for his service to the community.
“An Australia Long Weekend celebrated about two-thirds through January is a strong foundation for a truly inclusive and unifying national holiday”
Lisa McLean is a sustainability leader. She was a former advisor to NSW Premiers and a federal press gallery journalist for The Australian and ABC TV. She has covered stories on first nations people, including native title and stolen generations.
“This is an idea whose time has come. A gesture of goodwill to build a cohesive future for all Australians”
Shane Withington has been a television actor for over 50 years. He is also a passionate heritage activist having led the successful 15-year campaign to save the historic Currawong beach homestead and workers cabins.
“I support this sensible idea that will make everyone happy. It is a no-brainer. Bring it on!”
Alanna Sherry is a mother of teenagers and an Illawarra local. With a background in human rights law, she is the former National Coordinator of ChilOut (Children out of Detention) and a former diplomat. She volunteers for the Multicultural Communities Council of Illawarra.
“All for one and one for all”
Marius Webb is a former broadcaster and producer with the ABC. He is best known for his work setting up the AM youth station Double Jay, now the nationwide FM network Triple J. He was the ABC’s first staff-elected board member.
“We need a day of national unity, not a day which hurts and excludes First Australians. Let’s make sure we can all celebrate together”
Meg Keneally is a novelist, writing teacher and journalist, whose novels have been published internationally. Her work focuses on illuminating forgotten women’s stories.
“A straightforward, clear, common sense proposal that makes it easy for all of us to celebrate”
John Illingsworth is a public interest filmmaker publishing as Pittwater Pathways and Pittwater Ecowarriors, on subjects including Australian history, the environment, land-care, local communities and walking. He has a bachelor degree in Earth Science.
“This is an opportunity for all Australians to honour our shared history, celebrate cultural diversity, and build a stronger, united future together”
Mandy Grogan is an educator passionate about community impact. She works in regional Queensland with NGOs supporting refugee and Indigenous communities, and internationally in Cambodia, helping children and families access education, opportunity, and brighter futures.
“This bright idea guarantees a long weekend, every year . . but with no controversial date!”
Peter Middleton these days spends his time supporting community causes and projects, both locally and further afield. Prior to that he built a successful forty-year career in international airline and tourism marketing.
“I want to celebrate this country, but not on a day of pain – truth-telling means acknowledging January 26 isn’t for celebration”
Sarah Sheridan is the non-Indigenous Co-founder and Deputy CEO of Clothing The Gaps. Raised in regional Victoria, she’s passionate about public health, social justice, and combining fashion and education to drive meaningful change.
“Change the date, refocus the day! Multicultural Australia has 60,000 years to celebrate, let’s do it properly”
Peter Mitchell is an environmentalist and retired academic with decades of experience and research in environmental history including assessment of Aboriginal sites in collaboration with traditional owners.