Captain Cook statue in Sydney defaced ahead of Australia’s national day
NBCJAN 19
Captain Cook Statue Vandalized as Australia Day is Observed
Above: A council worker cleans the statue of Britain's Queen Victoria that was defaced in the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria in Melbourne on Jan. 25, 2024, ahead of Australia Day. Image copyright: Martin Parry/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Left narrative
Australia Day commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788, but for Indigenous Australians, it marks the start of colonization's devastating impact of dispossession, genocide, and cultural erasure. The ongoing injustices and intergenerational trauma rooted in this colonial legacy make celebrating this day deeply painful. Moving beyond this divisive date toward one inclusive of all Australians would honor the truths of our history and begin the healing.
Right narrative
Jan. 26, Australia Day, need not be a symbol of division. It offers an opportunity for unity by confronting the complexities of the country's history. While it marks the arrival of the First Fleet, it can also be reclaimed as a day of reflection, celebrating Australia’s progress and diverse cultures. By pairing traditional festivities with truth-telling, welcome-to-country ceremonies, and Indigenous celebrations, the date could embody inclusivity — honoring all Australians.