January 26 has come and gone for another year, and while some spent the day celebrating Australia Day with a beer and BBQ and for others it is a much more sombre day for many reasons, a lot of people would probably agree that it may suit everyone involved if we found a New Australia Day Date.
A New Australia Day Date could be a good way of creating a day that everyone can enjoy with a lighter heart, and a fuller esky.
But what date should that be?
We offer up several options and throw open a poll for the readers to decide on whether Australia Day needs a new home.
New Australia Day Date Suggestions
GRAND FINAL MONDAY – EXACT DATE TBA
One thing most Australians can agree on is that footy Grand Finals are great, be it AFL or NRL (but not rugby union), and it’s even better when they happen to feature on the same weekend.
So our first suggestion is to force the AFL and NRL to get together for the greater good of the nation and go back to the Grand Finals being on the same weekend.
This then opens up the Monday after both Grand Finals to be a celebration day for all Australians, or a bonus day off to recover for all states, rather than the current few states who get NRL Grand Final Monday off.
Talk about uniting the nation, and via sport, one of the nation’s strengths.
DECEMBER 19 (THIS YEAR) MONDAY BEFORE CHRISTMAS
Much like the above, we select another Monday as a day of celebration and recovery.
Heading into Christmas people have so much to do. Christmas Shopping, getting two weeks of food for Christmas lunch and many social engagements including the annual office/work Christmas Party.
So why not have a New Australia Day Date just before Christmas so it gives people a day to celebrate or shop or recover the way they want.
So it’s functional, and celebratory. Much like Australians.
This could also force Employers to have Christmas parties on a weekend, rather than a midweek.
Given that it is in December, you’ll still get similar hot and/or humid weather, which will mean it will still feel like the old January 26 conditions.
FEBRUARY 10 – GREG NORMAN’S BIRTHDAY
Has there been a more interesting Australian than Greg Norman?
One of the great golfers of all time, and certainly Australia’s best. A super businessman, and an all round great Australian.
Recently he’s taken to nude modelling, which has been well received by many and picked up a new generation and cross section of fans. Including this website.
Greg Norman is a winner, someone Australians can look up to and aspire to be. So why shouldn’t the new Australia Day be moved a few weeks later to celebrate the great man and the Great White Shark.
APRIL 1 – APRIL FOOLS DAY
Australian’s like to think we are funny people who can give out and take plenty of jokes. So what better day to move Australia Day than to April 1st.
Instead of a day where some people are not sure whether they should enjoy themselves or not, an April 1st date will leave everyone in no doubt that fun should be had.
It would also give Australian comedians a leg up after years of cancelled gigs, and the loss of lightweight entertainment shows like Spicks and Specks.
JANUARY 23 – WORLD PIE DAY
January 23 is World Pie Day, and given Australia’s love for all types of pie, it could make sense to have a new Australia Day date just a days prior.
The January 23 date ticks boxes for those who like a January date where the weather still demands outside activities and water based fun.
It would also highlight the Pie, one of Australia’s best foods.
In 2022 this would have fallen on a Sunday, which would mean a bonus long weekend.
APRIL 10 – 99.94th DAY OF THE YEAR
Australians love Don Bradman, so why not have a new Australia Day date based on the best cricketer we’ve ever produced.
Given the iconic average of 99.94 that is likely never to be beaten, why not shift Australia Day to the 99.94th day of the year?
It would make for a buy period of holidays with Easter and Anzac Day around, but it could also mean a flurry of long weekends just before the colder weather arrives.
Of course a leap year will stuff it up every fourth year, but that will only bring the average down to 99.75 so would roll up to 100 anyway across the four years, so don’t complain to us.
FIRST MONDAY IN NOVEMBER – AUSTRALIAN MUSIC MONTH
There has possibly been too much reliance on sport in our list, so how about a new Australia Day date based on the traditional month of November being Australian Music month.
This would be an inclusive, all music types celebration.
Everyone would be on board, with many a concert popping up over the long weekend. And like the comedians, a chance to get musicians back on track(s).
And a November date suits, as a welcome break up of what usually feels like a long slog to Christmas.
And as an added bonus for Melbourne, the most locked down Covid city ever, this would create a four day weekend with the Melbourne Cup bringing it all home.
