Employees given choice

A First-Nations community organisation has offered its employees the choice to work tomorrow.

Goolum Goolum Aboriginal Co-Operative joins a growing number of Australian organisations noting January 26 is not a celebration for everyone.

Chief executive Anthony Craig said staff who were working tomorrow would instead receive time off work at a later date of their choosing.

“The move has been overwhelmingly supported by all Goolum staff,” he said.

“It is important that we stand with and support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on this day of mourning.”

General manager John Gorton said the change would ensure the way the co-operative conducted its business also supported its ethos.

He said January 26, to many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, was a ‘commemoration of deep loss’ — of sovereign rights to their land, loss of family and the right to practice their culture.

“As we evolve as a health and wellbeing organisation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, it is important we are inclusive, supportive and progressive in the way we run our organisation,” he said.

“We hope this move encourages unity within our community as well a chance to reflect on the history of Australia.

“We believe this will also provide an opportunity for our non-Indigenous staff to reflect on what this day means to their fellow Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander colleagues and those they support in their work.”

Barengi Gadjin Land Council chair Dylan Clarke said his organisation supported and respected people’s choice in how they spend the day.

“For many, January 26, or Invasion Day, is a deeply distressing experience and Barengi Gadjin Aboriginal Council support all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff to choose how they want to spend the day,” he said.

“Through the sharing of truth and healing we will look for guidance from our members and full group for an official position to change the date.”

Retailers Woolworths and Kmart, which have stores across the Wimmera and Grampians, have also offered employees a choice to work during the public holiday.

Kmart has also ceased the sale of Australia Day-specific products in a bid to offer an ‘inclusive and respectful’ shopping experience.

– Jessica Grimble

As we navigate our way through the easing of Coronavirus restrictions, it’s good to remember we’re #StrongerTogether.