Church resources
An opportunity to reflect on the effects of invasion, colonisation and racism on First Peoples, in the lead up to 'Australia Day'. Resources can be bound on the links below:
- Aboriginal Sunday - 22nd January (Sunday before Australia Day) - Common Grace
- Day of Mourning - The 2023 Uniting Church Worship Resource
EVENTS
NATIONAL
#Change the Heart - broadcast nationally
Aunty Jean Phillips, Senior Aboriginal Christian Leader, invites the nation to pray to #ChangeTheHeart
When: Wednesday 25 January 2023
Time: 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm (AEDT), 6:30 pm (AEST), 7:00 pm (ACDT), 6:00 pm (ACST), 4:30 pm (AWST)
Broadcast on: Change the Heart website and on Facebook
From: Chapel at the Australian Centre for Christianity & Culture, 15 Blackall St Barton, ACT
VICTORIA
On 26th January there are a number of events in various locations around Victoria
Melbourne - Share the Spirit Festival
Other events around the state: - (details on the Victorian Council of Churches events page)
- The City of Stonnington – Healing Ceremony
- Mornington Peninsula- Our Survival Day – Reconnection
- Ballarat- Survival Day Dawn Ceremony 2023
- Belgrave Survival Day 2023
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Celebrate '23 - Australia Day Culture and Music Festival
A day to deeply listen to our First Nations' People and to embrace cultural diversity in Australia
Celebrate AD – young Christian workers
When: Thursday 26 January 2023, 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm ACDT
Where: Scots Church Adelaide, Uniting Church 237 North Terrace Adelaide, SA 5000
About this event
The Australia Day Culture and Music Festival will bring young people (18 - 35 years old) from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds, those born in Australia, international students, migrants and refugees together for an Australia Day celebration in Adelaide City. This celebration branches from YCW’s monthly event Solidarity (Sol) Music - an initiative began to support our local musicians during the pandemic to break social isolation. Since then it has also grown into an opportunity for uprising artists to showcase their talents in a safe and supporting environment.
The festival will start with a Welcome to Country and acknowledgement of Australia's past by local Aboriginal elders. The festival will include musical and dance performances, food and information stalls, multi-faith celebrations by young people themselves, special guests, reflecting and celebrating Australia's multicultural identity. The event will be held in Scots Church on North Terrace, central to all. The event builds on YCW's work with marginalised young people from diverse communities and will be followed up by other events after the festival to continue the "Reflect, Respect and Celebrate" theme.
Intermissions to allow space for open conversation and reflection.
Free refreshments (light dinner) will be provided.
Free Event. Donations are welcome.
For more information: Sisilina Saukuru Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Ways to engage
Common Grace invite you to join together led by Aboriginal Christian Leaders to mark #January26. Pause to reflect and acknowledge January 26, in lament, prayer and action for justice.
Explore ideas below:
Post your Acknowledgement of Country using the Common Grace website tool
Commit to taking a stand for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander justice by sharing a photo of your feet on Country and sharing an Acknowledgement of Country on social media. Talk about it with whoever you meet on the day and invite others to take part.
Learn about the history of Jan 26 - watch and share the ‘History of January 26’ video
This video, originally developed for #ChangeTheHeart 2021, powerfully tells about the history of January 26, providing important context to this date. Watch Now then share on your social media.
Read more about the history of Jan 26
Events:
Stand in solidarity with Aboriginal peoples attending rallies and events across the country.
Common Grace website has a list of online and in-person events, including information about #ChangeTheHeart 2023.
Pray for justice, healing and reconciliation in these lands:
Spend time in prayer for justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Pray for friendship and reconciliation to come in our lifetime and for justice today for those experiencing the pain and brokenness of our world.
