Indigenous Australian cricketers Scott Boland and Ash Gardner have each expressed reservations about playing on Australia Day. Gardner, a Muruwari woman, has said it is inappropriate for the Australian team to be playing on a day that commemorates the arrival of the first fleet in 1788, which she says is one of “hurt and a day of mourning” for Indigenous people.
Boland, a Gulidjan man and Australia’s only active male Indigenous international cricketer, described January 26 as “a day of mourning for a lot of people”. The Test fast bowler provided input into the latest reconciliation plan.
Arm in arm: Australian players before the start of play in the Brisbane Test last summer.Credit: Getty
Former Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie, who is also Indigenous, has said the date should be changed to “a day in which all Australians can celebrate”.
There was no mention of Australia Day in the marketing for last summer’s Gabba Test, but the day was acknowledged at the ground. A CA spokesman said there would be no Australia Day acknowledgment in marketing for future games that fell on the day.
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Tennis Australia said there would be no formal Australia Day celebrations at the Open this summer, having dropped so-called “activations” over the past two years.
However, TA said in a statement that the national anthem would still be performed before the men’s final, as has always been the case.
In a statement leading into this year’s Open, TA said it was “mindful there are differing views, and at the Australian Open we are inclusive and respectful of all”.
Justin Mohamed, chair of CA’s Indigenous advisory committee, has expressed the belief that it is possible to make January 26 into a day of recognition. In releasing the latest reconciliation plan, Mohamed, a Gooreng Gooreng man, said the document remained a work in progress.
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“CA’s commitment to reconciliation is a testament to its dedication to creating a more inclusive sport. We are proud of the progress made so far, but we recognise this is a journey and there is more work to do,” he said.
“By continuing to listen, learn and grow, we can ensure that cricket remains a sport that truly reflects the diversity and richness of Australian culture.”
Among the plan’s stipulations, CA wants to have greater collaboration between BBL clubs, state and territory associations and Premier and community clubs in hosting annual reconciliation matches. This includes providing clubs with greater information and help on how to do this.
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