As dawn emerges on Australia Day 2025, citizens are called to reflect on all that this day holds within the diverse realities that shape this day in our national story. Australia Day celebrations in Sydney will begin with a traditional Dawn Reflection – a time to reflect on Australia’s history and its future as the sun rises.
It is a day to give thanks to our Creator God for gifting us with the natural beauty of our land with its diverse expressions from oceans to deserts, mountains to rugged plains, rainforests to sand dunes, and the variety of the flora and fauna that speak of the uniqueness of this ancient land. It calls us to take seriously the responsibility of caring for our common home. The southern cross shining in our southern skies draws us into the expansiveness of what it means to call Australia home.
It is a day to acknowledge that for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait peoples the present date holds a painful history marking it as a day of mourning. Their deep connection to country and the richness of their culture and spirituality for over 65,000 calls for respect and a willingness to commit to the ongoing journey of reconciliation,
It is day to give thanks for the rich diversity of cultures that have come to call Australia home and continue to shape our national story as we celebrate with those becoming Australian citizens. We acknowledge the need to address all forms of racism, intolerance, and violence that leave a wound in our national psyche.
It is a day to pray that peace and justice will come for all people who live in Australia and that those seeking safety with us as refugees and asylum seekers will be welcomed with kindness.
It is a day to express our appreciation to those women and men who on this day will be honoured through Australia Day ceremonies across rural and city communities. People who have made a difference through heroic acts, who through dreams and visions have changed life, for those who burdened by economic hardship and those struggling through isolation. It is a day to honour the thousands of volunteers who through their commitments and presence, relieve suffering and bring hope as we commit to continuing to work for a ‘fair go’ for all.
And in the words of Hugh Mackay:
This year marks 30 years since the Beatification of Saint Mary MacKillop at Randwick Racecourse on 19 January 1995. On this Australia Day, let us give thanks for the inspiration she gives to so many Australians. Life blew many different experiences in her direction. The way in which she responded to these experiences formed Mary into the pioneering woman she has become for all Australians. The values which guided her way of life, reflect the values at the heart of what it means to be Australian when at its best. She is an Australian icon whose life stands as a witness that it is possible to be a woman of God and be genuinely Australian.
Let us pray on Australia Day that all in this great South Land of the Holy Spirit, receive a double portion of Mary MacKillop’s spirit.
With this in mind, I share NATSICC’s 2025 Australia Day Statement which calls upon Catholics to take the time to reflect on what Australia Day means to all of us in this Great Southern Land and what practical actions we can undertake to create an inclusive celebration for all Australians.
NATSICC Australia Day 2025 Statement
Sr Monica Cavanagh
Congregational Leader