AUSTRALIA DAY: How would date change make a difference?

How would changing the date make any difference or change some people’s minds or mindset?

January 26 is Australia Day and should be celebrated by all Australians.

History can’t, nor should be, changed, but surely we can all learn from the past and move on and try not to make the same mistakes again.

All nations have their own special day, and I’m sure things have happened there in the past, but those countries have forged on and shown their patriotism as they celebrate their special days.

For generations, people have come from all over the world to live in our lucky country – in the past, they weren’t welcomed with open arms, but they stayed and eventually became Australian citizens.

As the daughter of a Greek migrant, my siblings and I were taught tolerance of everyone no matter their background, we were all equal.

I have a much loved Aboriginal god-daughter, she and all her family have been part of our lives for many years.

She and her sisters and cousins played with my children, and they all enjoyed one another’s company without a thought of any differences.

Sure they had their squabbles like all children, but it was never about being ‘different’. This is how it should be.

They were just friends and still are after all these years.

Recently I was able to catch up with some of the family, and I was treated as I wanted to be, as one of them, as we all sat down for a meal together at my god-daughter’s home.

Why can’t we all live together in harmony and celebrate how lucky we are to live in this wonderful country?

Thalia Phelps, Narrabri