Byron Shire Australia Day Ambassador Allan Sparkes backs push to change the date
Byron’s Australia Day Ambassador and the former deputy commissioner of the Mental Health Commission has supported calls to change the date of Australia Day. Here’s why.
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Byron Shire’s Australia Day Ambassador and the former deputy commissioner of the Mental Health Commission of NSW has backed the push to change the date of Australia Day.
Allan Sparkes believes it’s important to select a new day that all Australians can celebrate.
The comments by Mr Sparkes, one of few Australians to be awarded the Cross of Valour bravery award, comes after the large Invasion Day Rally was held at Apex Park in Byron Bay on Australia Day this year.
Mr Sparkes spoke of the “horror Indigenous people have gone through”.
“The Indigenous community has been devastated by trauma and loss and grief in such a significant way,” he said.
“I feel it’s important that we have a date to rejoice all Australians and we should listen to the leaders of indigenous groups to find out what date they would like.”
Mr Sparkes said it was important to remember the dark history of Australia and to respect first nation culture, traditions and beliefs.
“I would like to see a time we have a day where all Australians can celebrate being Australian and we lose the division that we see is developing,” he said.
Indigenous activists at the Byron rally spoke strongly against Australia Day in its current form.
Delta Kay said: “You our allies have chosen to sit with us today, but I’ll remind you today is a day of mourning.”
Invasion Day rallies were held across Australia this year, from Sydney to Perth and Brisbane.
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