Yesterday (Tuesday, 26 January) was Australia Day. It’s the day that effectively marks the end of Summer holidays and the return to business as normal.
However, there continues much dissent about the timing and name of Australia Day; especially for Australia’s first peoples. In growing circles the day is becoming known as either Invasion Day or Survival Day – each having their obvious merits. Personally I refer to Australia Day as Invasion Day; the day when the United Kingdom declared war on First Australians and invaded. But this particular piece isn’t about the argument about whether it’s Invasion Day or Survival Day; however it is about the sentiments of the day.
In Melbourne, there’s a festival held on Invasion Day called “Share the Spirit”. It is in recognition of the sentiment of the day for Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. The day is hosted by Songlines, which is an Indigenous organisation to help promote and support Indigenous musicians and artists. 
The day was truly filled with some great music with the likes Lou Bennett and Dan Sultan. There was some great eats to be had with a smattering of soft serve ice cream. Treasury Gardens was a perfect place to host “Share the Spirit” with plenty of open space and shaded areas. There were heaps of picnickers and friends catching up to enjoy the perfect weather on offer. Of course, being in Melbourne there was great coffee on offer. The kids were catered for with a jumping castle and space to run around. Parents had the respite of the big stage playing all kinds of music with traditional dancers putting on awesome performances. There was something for everyone.
As it was put to me during the course of the day, it’s about Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians coming together, enjoying great music and sharing country together. People come together and meet old and new friends. They leave feeling part of something better, more connected and well entertained. That was certainly my experience.
Listen to interviews with people at “Share the Spirit”below. Find video of the day above.
Alex Schlotzer is a straight talker when it comes to politics and loves to vent his spleen. Actively involved in Australian and international politics with a keen understanding of the dynamics of the political machine, Alex has a prolific online presence and has been a cyber activist for over 15 years. Regional editor of theangle.org, he can also be found at his blog and his exciting online project Australian Politics TV.
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