January 26: If you can’t change the date, change what you can.

Wiradjuri Woman Mikaela Simpson shares a perspective from within the Red Dust team.

Written by Wiradjuri Woman Mikaela Simpson.

Australia’s unofficial “fair go” policy always comes into question on days engrained as public holidays. For decades a growing number of our population have shown support for changing the date of Australia Day and have done so once again this year. But the movement, one based on truth-telling, learning and acknowledging the true history, impact on Australia’s First Nations peoples and what happened to our communities on this day, continues to stall. It remains nothing more than a debate with no intention or promise for inclusion. Today, I recognise and acknowledge the resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities whose strength, mission and voices remain clear, and that sovereignty was never ceded.

After the referendum on giving Indigenous peoples and communitiesa voice in parliament was rejected by much of the country, there was a wave ofsadness and tiredness felt by many as a collective, both Indigenous andnon-Indigenous.

The saying, get knocked down, get back up again has been a historical expectation. And while it looks as if there is no top-down approach to change the date, today I’d like to share with you the ways you can implement change and continue to stand in solidarity with communities, not just today – but every day.

You may not be able to control every situation and its outcome, but you can control your attitude and how you deal with it?”

You may have heard this saying. Not only is it great as a personal mantra for yourself and how you interact with others, but its also a great action you can implement into showing real ongoing support for those you stand in solidarity with.

And I’m here to point you in the right direction.

If you can’t change the date, change what you can.

Get to know our shared history – with or without a Reconciliation Action Plan

In partnership with remote Indigenous communities, Red Dust can facilitate a range of education and awareness programs with genuine two-way learning and cultural exchange. Indigenous and non-Indigenous facilitators yarn side-by-side to deliver our cultural awareness, education and immersion programs. This approach provides our facilitators the support they need to share their stories and voices.

We work together with our corporate and community partners, as well as individuals to share cultural insights and knowledges in safe environments for a dynamic conversation about country, mob, family and identity.

Why not enroll yourself in our online learning modules or join us in person for a workshop to build on your foundation for Reconciliation.

Add to your social feeds and follow deadly Blak creators, pages, allies and organisations.

Your phone is a great place to start! And some simple steps can be taken to show your support for First Nations communities. Social media has become a platform used by millions all around the world, including here in Australia. Seeking out, liking, subscribing and following blak content creators and pages is an efficient way to show your support. Check out some of these deadly pages that I can’t get enough of.

Add native ingredients to your next feed

Who doesn’t love a good feed? It’s one of the universal gifts available to people that unites different communities and can start conversations! Most Aussies love getting together with friends and family for a BBQ, a sausage smothered in tomato sauce, that one perfect pie from the local bakery, vegemite on toast, lamingtons, decadent vanilla slices, and who can forget the good ole’ chicken parmy (yes, its parmy not parma, but let’s not get side tracked).

There’s an entire range of Native ingredients and foods that exist and are becoming more readily available to add to your shopping trolley – celebrating the diversity and versatility of products locally grown and sold in Australia. Some of the foods you might find in our homes include lemon myrtle, Kakadu plum, finger limes, saltbush, barramundi, mud crab, kangaroo, and desert limes.

Now don’t worry about where to get these from, many supermarkets have recognised the desire and flavour of these products and are already stocking them as jams, relishes, and spices.

My tip – try source these products from your local food market or buy directly from the seller. I promise your food will have never tasted better. We have been using these ingredients for centuries and still love them, so we know you will too.

Get involved in your community and attend First Nations events open to everyone

Show your support by showing up! No matter where you are, within your community there are First Nations led and focused events taking place. A lot of these events are open to the public! From festivals to concerts, fundraisers to protests, markets and pop ups – attending these gatherings is a great way to become more involved in your local community.

Not sure where to find these events?

Online is a great place to start! You can check out your local government council or Aboriginal Council website, social media events page, or a simple online search.

Tune in to your local radio station or check out the community notice boards in your shopping centres for events and activities happening soon.

Have a yarn with friends about what they’ve got on their social calendar – it’s also a nice way to check in with people you care about.

Showing up at local events is a great way to make new friends and connections, and you’ll feel great getting out and about. On top of that, you’ll learn a lot from us about who we are and our experiences! Just be mindful that there are some places, spaces and events that are only for First Nations people and voices.

Fill your bookshelves with First Nation storybooks for you and the children in your life.

The market for books is booming! There are so many authors and illustrators that are creating with an invitation for you into their world and it’s a beautiful thing to see.

Representation matters, and it makes a difference. If you’re a parent or even a school teacher, I’d love you to pick up a picture book written by First Nations authors.

One that I adore is Brother Moon written by Larrakia Based Wadjigan Woman Maree Yoelu. Brother Moon is a powerful story lovingly told by a great-grandfather to his great-grandson.

Beneath the dark sky of the Northern Territory, Hippy-Boy is captivated when Great-Grandpa Liman tells him the mysterious story of his brother and how it guides his connection to Country. Great-Grandpa is a masterful storyteller and, as the tale unfolds, he finally reveals his brother is the moon — a wonder of the universe. Hippy-Boy learns how his great-grandfather uses the phases of the moon when he goes hunting and fishing, and why it is important for us all to understand the natural world.

There are a range of books in this genre, as well as others created for young adults, that you can check out at magabalabooks.com.

Buy our bamboo toothbrush and support health programs inremote communities

This isn't just anytoothbrush. It's a simple way Australians can play an active role in Reconciliation. With every brush you buy, you are investing in First Nations communities across the Northern Territory, with 100% of profits directed right back into mental health and well-being programming.

The Red Dust Toothbrush is a social enterprise launched in2024 with the primary goal of generating additional revenue to fund Red Dust health and well-being programs in remote NT communities.  

Why choose the Red Dust Bamboo Toothbrush?

Many Australians take the humble toothbrush for granted. Itis something we use every day, take on holidays, on weekends away or on business trips. By switching to a Red Dust Toothbrush, Australians can turn their humble toothbrush into a change-maker.  

This isn’t just any toothbrush. It’s a simple way Australians can play an active role in Reconciliation. With every brush you buy, you’re investing in First Nations communities across the Northern Territory, with 100% of profits directed right back into mental health and well-being programming.

When you buy a Red Dust Bamboo Toothbrush, you’re also supporting First Nations jobs that provide crucial role modelling programs for First Nations youth.

You can also directly donate to Red Dust and support remote community programs.

Ready to make your change?

Today is not about telling you what you should or shouldn’t do on January 26th, but to encourage you to think about your everyday footprint in this country and who it is that you’re walking with, to make change every day in simple ways. Australia still has a long way to go, but by taking time to make these simple changes, you can play a role that leads to bigger change.

Finally, I’d like to end by sharing with you something that Lila Watson once said.

“If you have come here to help me you are wasting your time, but if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together.”

Acknowledgments

Red Dust would like to thank the author of this blog, Mikaela Simpson and for sharing her voice and perspective.