The idea of celebrating our nation over a long weekend may have been floated before 2024, but this was not known to James Woods in Melbourne and Phil Jenkyn in Sydney. Both were separately searching for a solution to an ever-growing dilemma – how to find a time in the year when everybody could happily come together to celebrate our great nation. The problem that was dividing people was over the date 26 January, a date marking the beginning of British settlement but also marking the beginning of the dispossession of our Indigenous peoples.
Unknown to each other, they came to a similar conclusion in early 2024 that the move from the existing date should be to the best time of the year for a national celebration, not on a day but over a long weekend in January called the Australia Long Weekend. Phil identified the additional need for the timing to be the second last long weekend in January, a time that was best for holidays, school and work and pre-dated 26 January.
James made contact with Phil for the first time after an Opinion article was published in the SMH and The Age on 29 July 2024 co-signed by Elizabeth Elliott AM, Geoff Cousins AM and Phil Jenkyn OAM that set out the proposal.
James and Phil are working together to promote this proposal with the aim of placing it before the wider Australian community and seeking support for change. After further consideration and consultation, it is proposed that the Monday public holiday of the Australia Long Weekend be named Australia Day.
James Woods had already commenced development of a website before meeting Phil. James is responsible for the development of this website, social media and aligned aspects. Phil is assisting with content, ideas, contacts and whatever it takes.
Both James and Phil would like to thank the many people who have assisted them separately before their meeting in July, and the increasing number of supporters who are now helping on this project.
This is an idea and a proposal whose time has come and is an essential step in healing the division in our nation and bringing people together.
It is motivated solely by the public interest, is non-party political and seeks no commercial benefit.
The website is a “call to action”. It aims to spread the word across the nation and empower individuals, community groups, businesses big and small and councils to take their own actions and initiatives to make this happen. Put simply – people power!
