Woolworths, Big W announce no Australia Day merchandise

In recent years, there has been a shift away from Australia Day celebrations - and now Woolworths has taken a controversial step.

One major retailer has confirmed it will not be selling Australia Day merchandise ahead of January 26.

Woolworths Group, which also owns Big W, said that it would not be selling any special Australia Day merchandise in 2024 – apart from the flag which is sold year round.

“There has been a gradual decline in demand for Australia Day merchandise from our stores over recent years. At the same time there’s been broader discussion about January 26 and what it means to different parts of the community,” a spokesperson said.

“We know many people like to use this day as a time to get together and we offer a huge variety of products to help customers mark the day as they choose.

Woolworths and Big W are not selling Australia Day merchandise in 2024.

“Woolworths and Big W celebrate the best of Australia every day, and we’re proud to support the farmers, producers, and suppliers who work with us.”

There are still Australia Day themed products available through My Deal, which is an online platform, part of the Woolworths Group, that uses third-party retailers.

Store staff, like with all public holidays, will also have the choice about whether they want to work if they are rostered on.

In recent years, there has been a huge shift away from Australia Day celebrations as more Australians listen to Indigenous voices who have labelled it Invasion Day.

On New Year’s Eve it was revealed more than 80 local councils across Australia will dump their traditional citizenship ceremonies on January 26.

In 2022, only four councils across Australia chose not to hold Australia Day citizenship ceremonies — three in Melbourne and the City of Sydney.

But a year later, at least 81 councils nationwide announced they would not be holding citizenship ­ceremonies on January 26.

The supermarket does sell flags year around.

The change follows a decision by the Albanese government in December 2022 to revoke a rule that would effectively force local councils to hold citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day.

According to The Daily Telegraph, the surge in council’s choosing not to mark the country’s national day has prompted accusations from opposition immigration spokesman Dan Tehan that the Albanese government “is laying the groundwork” for its abolition.

Mr Albanese had said even though the government had given councils a choice, they should continue to conduct them, pledging: “I support Australia Day.”

He rejected charges from the opposition that his government was determined to kill Australia Day, firmly saying: “there are no changes here”.

Sydney Mayor Clover Moore has led the charge against Australia Day, describing it as “painful” for many.

Originally published as Woolworths, Big W announce no Australia Day merchandise