Indigenous cricket legend Jason Gillespie says Aussies keep getting one big fact wrong in the controversy over celebrating Australia Day

Daily Mail​

11-07-2025

Aussie sporting legend Jason Gillespie has claimed people who object to a possible Australia Day date change are unaware of a key historical fact - before calling for increased support when it comes to Indigenous cricket.
Fast-bowling great Gillespie, who snared 259 Test wickets in his career, acknowledged January 26 is a contentious day for many Indigenous Australians as it marks the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788.
But Gillespie - who has Indigenous roots - believes the long-standing argument that January 26 is the only suitable date for Australia Day is not supported by history.
'What I find interesting is that when a lot of people defend Australia Day being on January 26 they say 'it has always been January 26', he told News Corp.
'That's factually incorrect. You go over history and that has not been the only day Australia has celebrated Australia Day.'
Gillespie is right - Australia Day has only officially been incorporated for all states and territories on January 26 since 1994.
Prior to 1994, certain states and territories staged celebrations on the Monday closest to the date.
It is also important to acknowledge the first 'official' Australia Day, in 1915, was July 30. At the time, it was a way to raise much needed funds during World War one.
'It (January 26) is seen as a day of genuine and deep sadness for Indigenous Australians and not seen as a day to celebrate,' Gillespie continued.
'If it creates such sadness (for many people) on such an important day of the year – and it has been moved before – surely there must be 300 or more days Australia could look at which could be a great day for everyone to celebrate.'
Gillespie then delved as to why he and fellow quick Scott Boland are the only two male Indigenous players to play for Australia in Test history.
He would also 'love' to see increased funding from Cricket Australia - and urged the governing body to 'do more.'
In response, a spokesperson pointed out CA supported Indigenous cricket through events such as the National Indigenous Cricket Championships, a First Nations T20 Cup and the Imparja Cup played in Alice Springs.
Meanwhile, cricket fans across the nation won't see any games played on Australia Day in 2026 - marking the second successive year the sport's bosses have backed out of holding matches on January 26.
Cricket Australia has grappled with how to treat the national public holiday after controversially banning the term 'Australia Day' four years ago.
The likes of captain Pat Cummins and star batsman Steve Smith have previously called for the date to be changed.