On Wednesday I was again one of 350 National Australia Day Ambassadors.

I headed off to Franklin, where I was greeted by an amazing community of people who welcomed me with open arms.

But this time around the day was different for me.

I have headed off the last 5 years as an Australia Day Ambassador filled with real pride and excitement.

This year, I didn’t feel that.

In the lead up to it, I noticed the ongoing outpouring of support for our governments to change the date.

But unlike other years, I had some discussions with people about it all, in a bid to (finally) take the time to better understand it all.

I’m the first to put my hand up around some societal issues and claim that I’m “on the fence” and don’t really have an opinion.

But by taking more time to learn and listen this year, I realised that I’ve just been ignorant.

In the lead up to Jan 26 this year, I was asked multiple times about my role as an Australia Day ambassador.

During and after each conversation I had about it, I was just feeling like I shouldn’t be doing it, as opposed to the usual sense of pride.

I’m a big believer that our national community should be celebrated, and that we should all have a day to come together and acknowledge our great country and the people and places that make us who we are.

I believe that to be an ambassador for Australia Day is a real honour, and an incredible opportunity to leave a positive mark.

But for me, I really do now believe that is not meant to be on January 26.

It is so clear that because of Australia’s devastating history that my role this year brought with it a sense of guilt, and a need for change.

I have this week written to the powers to be around the Australia Day Ambassador program, and I would love to see this role continue, but under a new name, and hopefully on a different date.

However, or whatever you feel about January 26, I think the most important thing we do is continue this push for change, but make sure it’s with kindness. 👊