Australian sporting codes reflect on changing attitudes towards January 26, Australia Day

Peter Maniaty

•
Australian sporting codes reflect on changing attitudes towards January 26, Australia Day image

As individuals and families across the nation enjoy the January 26 public holiday, many of Australia’s highest profile sporting codes, clubs and player associations have taken to social media to express solidarity with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Walking a diplomatic and public relations tightrope, a common theme in the messages was the acceptance that while many people will choose to celebrate Australia Day today, January 26 is a date with complex and painful associations for others.

Noticeably absent from almost all of the messages was any reference to ‘Australia Day’.

The NRL paid tribute to the ‘resilience and the enormous contribution our Aboriginal and Torres Strait brothers and sisters make to our nation and the greatest game for all.’

X

The NBL called for the community ‘to use this day to reflect and celebrate the richness of our diverse cultures while committing to a future rooted in mutual respect.’

Meanwhile, the AFL Players Association advocated for a change of date for Australia Day celebrations.

“While we respect that people may choose to acknowledge the day in different ways, for us - and for many of our members - January 26 is an opportunity to deepen understanding, build awareness and foster empathy,” it said in statement.

“We remain committed to supporting our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members, their families and communities, and continue to advocate for a day we can all celebrate - one that honours Indigenous history, heritage and culture, and reflects our shared values.”

One of the few bodies to reference ‘Australia Day’ directly in 2026 was Football Australia.

“This Australia Day, we celebrate what brings us together across our diverse cultures and history,” it said.

“We honour the world’s oldest continuing cultures and our vibrant multicultural nation, shaped by people from every background and acknowledge that this day holds different meanings across our community.”