Multiple AFL clubs send powerful message as calls increase for further education about Australia Day – ‘January 26 is not a day of celebration’
- AFL clubs stressed that education is crucial during Australia Day
- Kangaroos star Jy Simpkin said it was ‘not a day to be celebrated’
- Likes from NRL and Football Australia also played a role in the topic
North Melbourne native co-captain Jy Simpkin has declared January 26 ‘not a public holiday’ as AFL clubs united in a call for people to educate themselves about Australia Day and its significance to different people .
As the AFL congratulated a series of sport-wide volunteers recognized for the Australia Day award, Simpkin – with the support of his club and its board – made his views abundantly clear.
“January 26 is not a holiday, but an opportunity for everyone to continue asking questions and learning about Australia’s shared history, the strength and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and our culture,” Simpkin, a proud Yorta Yorta man , said.
A statement from North Melbourne and senior leaders said they “recognize the pain and grief that many First Nations people and the wider community may be experiencing at this time.”
“We encourage listening, understanding and reflection on our nation’s shared past. We will be stronger together when we can celebrate the history of the country we call home on a date that unites us,” the statement said.
North Melbourne native co-captain Jy Simpkin has declared January 26 ‘not a public holiday’
AFL clubs united in calling on people to educate themselves about Australia Day and its significance to different people (pictured)
Fremantle Dockers staff and players had information sessions this week to understand the “significance and potential implications that the date January 26, 1788 has for some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.”
Geelong confirmed the club would “stand in solidarity with First Nations people”, but the Cats also encouraged people to “listen and think deeply”.
Port Adelaide also admitted that January 26 was a day of ‘immense sadness and grief for many in the community’ and supported a date change so that ‘All Australians can celebrate our nation on a date when everyone can feel proud, united and united’.
A statement from Carlton said January 26 “contributed to the unrest of First Nations people and their lands” and called for “respectful discussion” to find a way to move forward in unity.
As clubs made their views crystal clear, AFL president Richard Goyder congratulated the sport’s volunteers who were recognized at the Australia Day Awards.
Among them was Paul Briggs, the chairman of the league’s Indigenous Advisory Council since its inception, for his service to the Indigenous community and sporting organizations.
“The success of Australian football across the country is based on the service of volunteers who give their time to help others,” Goyder said.
‘I would like to make a special appeal today to those at the grassroots of our football who are being recognized for three, four and five decades of selfless contribution to their local football club and to all those people who give their time to the growth of our club to help. game.’