January 26 2024

In acknowledgement of the truthful history, complexity and Australia’s ongoing journey toward reconciliation, Life Without Barriers is offering their staff to take an alternative date as a public holiday instead of January 26 in 2024.

Last year the organisation began offering an alternative date to some of their workforce and in 2024 this opportunity will be extended to all staff. Life Without Barriers is a community of over 13,000 staff and foster and Kinship Carers.

Claire Robbs, Chief Executive of Life Without Barriers said now more than ever, this date is not uniting our nation.

“For 2024, our organisation will not observe January 26 as a celebration, rather we recognise that Australia remains the only country still celebrating its national day on the anniversary of British colonisation,” Mrs Robbs said.

“The 26th of January marks the beginning of dispossession and the generations of trauma and harm that followed. It is time we heeded the voices and preferences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and recognise that this date is not the birth of our country.

“Through our Elevate Reconciliation Action Plan, we have committed to listening to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and communities and taking bold action to play our part in advancing Australia forward in truth-telling and healing.

“We hope in the future that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are consulted on a date that we can all celebrate, one that truly reflects the birth of Australia, our past and our future.”