Jan Chorley: Though opinions may differ on Australia Day, differing views are to be respected

Jan Chorley wonders as we consider this Australia Day, is there an opportunity to reflect on what it means to us and how we acknowledge it with meaning and purpose?

If you are one of the many people fortunate to travel overseas, you will know the experience of coming home to Australia — to this great wide brown landscape and vast beautiful blue skies.

We’re reminded at such times how truly marvellous it feels to be back in Australia.

Whatever our hopes, disappointments, dreams and passions might be, this land embraces us all in diverse forms.

How often though do we have the conversations about our identity as a nation — with one another or with families, friends and communities?

How do we make sense of who we are as a nation in an increasingly complex world?

As we consider this Australia Day, is there an opportunity to reflect on what it means to us and how we acknowledge it with meaning and purpose?

The Australia Day Council of South Australia is an independent, non-profit, membership-based association.

Aboriginal elder Major “Moogy” Sumner during a Proclamation Day ceremony (observed on January 26) at the Old Gum Tree in Glenelg.

Our vision is to inspire national pride and we work with the community to unite South Australians, celebrate excellence in our communities and explore the meaning of our national identity.

In 2019, we’re excited to invite you to participate in significant events that are unfolding on Australia Day.

We invite South Australians to reflect on this great land and its people as we enter the spirit of the day.

In Adelaide, the day will commence with a smoking ceremony at 7am in Elder Park. This simple ceremony will enhance our awareness of our oldest cultural traditions.

Across the state, local councils are hosting events, with many engaging an Australia Day Ambassador to share in the activities shaped by local communities.

One of the highlights in the city is a spectacular Australia Day Parade commencing at 6pm along King William St. This year, it will be led by Aboriginal people, acknowledging this is a day of mourning.

This float will be followed by the many dozens of communities celebrating their own diverse cultural identities and their shared love for this great country.

A key focus of the evening in Elder Park will be honouring some Aboriginal leaders and elders. A powerful installation in Elder Park will unfold as the sun sets: Kumangka, Mukapainga, Tampinga. This work has been shaped by Aboriginal people in conjunction with artist Craig Walsh.

The celebratory aspects of the day will include a concert in Elder Park starting at 7pm, featuring The Sundance Kids and The Veronicas. The night will end with a spectacular fireworks display.

Though opinions may differ on Australia Day and its meaning, the Australia Day Council of South Australia believes differing views are to be respected, in the true spirit of our democracy.

■ Jan Chorley is the chief executive of the Australia Day Council of South Australia