Several Sporting Bodies Cite Pain, Division on Australia’s National Day Numerous Australian sporting organizations have called for Australia Day to be celebrated on a different date, citing it as a “painful reminder” of colonialism. The current date, January 26th, marks the arrival of Captain Arthur Phillip in Sydney Cove in 1788, which initiated British colonization. Opponents view this date as representing an “invasion” and a difficult time for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

• Sporting organizations are advocating for a change in the date of Australia Day.
• The current date, January 26th, commemorates the start of British colonization.
• Opponents consider the date an “invasion” and a painful reminder for Indigenous Australians.
• The Torres Strait region celebrates the “Coming of the Light” festival on July 1st, marking the arrival of Christian missionaries.