Tiffany Ashdown’s Post

We acknowledge that it is long overdue that we have genuine, thoughtful and respectful national discussions on finding an alternative to ‘Australia Day’. One thing is clear: 26 January is not a date to celebrate. As a team, we have decided not to take the January 26 public holiday, and will instead choose another day when everyone is able to celebrate. If you'd like to know more about changing the date in your own workplace, click below. https://lnkd.in/g-F4T63

Ireland

Earlier today, I wrote a piece on my personal page with some personal reflections on the appropriateness or otherwise of 26th January, as Australia's "national day". I've long held the view - many years before I became aware of the feelings of Australia's First Peoples about the appropriateness of the date - that using the anniversary of the foundation of Sydney (which, claims that it actually represents the anniversary of the creation of Australian citizenship in 1948 notwithstanding, is what the vast majority of Australians think that the 26th January commemorates) as a celebration of Australia as a nation is a bad choice. It reinforces what I've long felt is an excessively Sydney-centric interpretation of Australia's post-1778 history and culture. Most nations who have 'national days' - and especially those nations who were once colonies of other nations - have as their national days, a day which their citizens identify as symbolizing them ceasing to be a colony, rather than of becoming one, as the 26th January does. To the many people who I know will disagree with me about this, I want to say, I love this country as much as you do, and I'm no less proud of being an Australian than you are. But I don't need to commemorate the founding of Sydney to prove it: and I don't see why I should be expected to. The article is also now on my website, here: https://lnkd.in/gHwtpkN5 - along with a map of 'Australia' that omits NSW, Queensland and Victoria, rather than Tasmania (as all too many maps purporting to be of 'Australia' still do). It was of course drawn up by Abel Tasman, the first European to "discover" Tasmania (or Van Diemen's Land, as he called it), as well as New Zealand - 128 years before Captain James Cook, aided by Tasman's maps, "discovered" the site of present-day Sydney Airport, an event which the Sydney-centric view of Australian history still regards as the [European] "discovery" of Australia. Thankyou Ratih Luhur for finding and posting this map.

We're thrilled to share that our latest Dual Narrative Tour, set in Northern Ireland, is ready for take-off for 2024 dates. Northern Ireland’s deep history of conflict is still an active act of reconciliation. This tour provides travelers with a unique Dual Narrative perspective, seen from both sides of the conflict, with Catholic and Protestant tour guides sharing their community's stories and their own personal histories. Mejdi Tours co-founder Aziz Abu Sarah says it best - "What we’ve seen is that the Dual Narrative is so powerful because it gives you the opportunity to not only hear different opinions, but also to understand the people you meet, to understand their fear and their anger, and to really fall in love with the place you’re visiting." With much of the world seemingly in continuous conflict, this type of #sociallyconscioustravel - where the focus is on the human element of destinations; the diversity of its people, their stories and narratives - needs to not just stand out as an outlier, but become the norm. #traveltrade #travelandtourism #responsibletravel Learn more about the tour ⤵

Australia Day - what is that all about, bbq's and beer? Australia Day is celebrated annually on January 26th and marks the anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove in 1788. This event marked the beginning of British colonization in Australia. While Australia Day commemorates the arrival of the British fleet, it is also a day to celebrate the diverse cultures, achievements, and contributions of all Australians. For many Australians, Australia Day is a time for community events, barbecues, fireworks, concerts, and citizenship ceremonies. It's a day when people come together to celebrate the country's heritage and reflect on its past, present, and future. However, Australia Day is also a day of reflection and debate, particularly for Indigenous Australians. For Indigenous peoples, January 26th marks the beginning of colonization, dispossession of land, and the loss of culture and traditional ways of life. Some Indigenous Australians refer to Australia Day as "Invasion Day" or "Survival Day" and use the occasion to raise awareness about the ongoing struggles faced by Indigenous communities and advocate for reconciliation and social justice. In recent years, there has been growing discussion and debate about the date of Australia Day, with calls to change it to a date that is more inclusive and sensitive to Indigenous Australians. This debate reflects broader conversations about national identity, reconciliation, and the recognition of Indigenous rights and histories in Australia. Would you like to plan a visit? Get in touch now, stop putting it off! #australia #travelconsultant #visitaustralia

As Australians gear up to celebrate #Australiaday this week, let's take a moment to delve into its rich history and the vibrant traditions that make it special. Australia Day, observed on January 26th, commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788, marking the beginning of European settlements. It's a day of national pride, celebrated with barbecues, public gatherings in parks, and festivities on beautiful beaches just before returning to work and school at the end of the Summer holidays. However, it's crucial to acknowledge the complexities surrounding this day. It's important to recognize that Australia Day is a source of controversy, as it coincides with a painful chapter in the history of Indigenous peoples. This date represents dispossession, suffering, and loss for the Aboriginal communities who have called this land home for thousands of years. Luckily, young Australians nowadays are encouraged to approach Australia Day with a commitment to ‘reconciliation’ and to understanding the diverse perspectives that shape their national identity. #AustraliaDay #ReflectAndCelebrate #UnityInDiversity #celebrationsaroundtheworld #australiaday  

The 26th of January has long been a day of national pride and celebration, a day where people celebrate “Australia Day”. However, as societal awareness evolves, there is a growing recognition of the need to reconsider the significance of this date, the broader implications it holds and why changing the way we commemorate Australia Day is not only necessary but a crucial step towards fostering inclusivity and acknowledging the historical struggles of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Acknowledging the perspectives of First Nations peoples is crucial in understanding why a change in Australia Day’s commemoration is necessary. 26 January is often referred to as “Invasion Day” or “Survival Day,” underscoring the negative impact of European settlement on their communities. By respecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander experiences and supporting the call for a more inclusive approach, we can work towards building a nation that truly values and incorporates the diverse narratives of its citizens. Please see attached a statement of support for First Nations People this January 26.

🤔Did you know that in Australia, we have one of the richest and oldest continuing cultures in the world? 💭That is an incredible and powerful realisation. 🤷🏾♀️What does the word 'surviving' mean to you? ⌛To us, it means that Aboriginal culture is not something that existed only before 1770. 🌱It goes a long, long way back to over 100,000 years and is still thriving today. To test how much you know about the oldest surviving culture, comment "test me" below and we'll send you the link to our Cultural Awareness Quiz. #ReconciliationAustralia #PracticalReconciliation #AllyTraining #actionsforallies #7steps #culturalawareness

#MondayMotivation to start your week: Did you know that Al Horford became the first player born in the Dominican Republic to win a National Basketball Association (NBA) Championship last month? 🇩🇴🏆 This win is significant, not just for the Boston Celtics, but for all first and second gen immigrants. Here's why 👇🏾 1. It's a symbol for representation and inspiration: Horford was looked at as the soul of the team and is noted as the most beloved player in Boston. His success story highlights the potential for immigrants to achieve greatness in their fields, despite the challenges they may face because of the strength within each of our cultures. 2. It's a reminder to have pride in where we come from: Not a moment passes where Horford isn't repping his Dominican roots. When we are in touch with our cultural background and everything that makes us unique, success follows. For Horford, he has all of the Dominican Republic on his side and he is also rooting for them and inspiring future generations. 3. It's a story about overcoming adversity: Immigrants face nuanced challenges such as adapting to a new culture (either by yourself or witnessing your parents' having to adapt), learning a new language, and proving yourself in a highly competitive environment. Horford's story is a testament to his resilience and determination to make it despite what barriers lie ahead. Who's story are you feeling inspired by recently? Share it with us in the comments! #ZakaConnect #MyJourney #NBA #Motivation #Immigrants #SuccessStories #ImmigrantStories #SportsIndustry

10 Interesting Facts About Australia