A day to show our true colours

THE Australian golden wattle is famous for its widespread presence and emblematic green and gold colours, so it seems fitting that National Wattle Day, the first day of spring, could be our national day.

That’s why two Tasmanians are campaigning to have Australia Day changed from January 26 to September 1.

National Wattle Day has marked our spring’s arrival since 1992 when, the golden wattle was officially gazetted as Australia’s floral emblem.

Businessman Rod West and GP Phil Pullinger say the divisive date of Australia Day does not represent foundational national values and should be changed to a “Welcome to Australia Day” on National Wattle Day.

“It’s something everyone who calls Australia home can relate to, irrespective of their background, culture or religion,” Mr West said.

“The wattle is symbolic of the love and connection all Australians have with this country.”

The campaigners propose that January 26 remain a national holiday but be marked as a day of reconciliation to commemorate Australia’s Aboriginal and British backgrounds.

Several organisations last year departed from the Australia Day script, including radio station TripleJ, which took its Hottest 100 broadcast off the public holiday.

Kingborough Council has moved its Australia Day celebrations from January 26, and Flinders Council decided in 2013 to shift its Furneaux Islands Festival away from the traditional date.

Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre head Heather Sculthorpe welcomed the proposed change.

“For us, any day other than January 26, which marks a day of invasion, is to be welcomed,” she said.

“The wattle is symbolic to Australia so I hope the campaign has success. It gives us, who want to see the date changed, something different to get behind which I think is what we need.”