26 January was the day in 1788 that the British Union Jack flag was first hoisted at Sydney Cove to mark that a British colony had been formally established on the Australian continent. The choice of this date as Australia’s national day has not been without controversy as this arrival of European colonization had enormous impact, often negative, on the lives of Australia’s Indigenous peoples, the proud custodians of this land for over 65,000 years. Increasingly, too, Australia has become even more culturally diverse over the past 75 years as migrants from so many different countries have migrated here to also call Australia home.

Despite constant change over time, Australians together share an abiding sense of hope about the nation’s future. Thus, currently, Australia Day aims to be a day to “reflect, respect and celebrate”, reflecting upon and addressing the pains and injustices of the past, respecting the growing diversity of the present, and celebrating our achievements now and into a future of shared optimism and harmony.

Blessing

May God bless Australia as we care for our unique landscape, its flora and fauna, and the ancient legacies of our Indigenous cultures.

Amen.

May Christ bless Australia as we work in unison for the enhanced well-being of each other.

Amen.

May the Holy Spirit bless Australia with the gifts of peace, compassion and harmony, as together, we forge “a future with hope” for all.

Amen.

May almighty God bless us all, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Amen.