Reflect, respect and celebrate

AUSTRALIA DAY

- ANGELA MACDONALD

Australia Day 2026 is an opportunity to reflect on our nation, history and achievements. We are grateful to celebrate this occasion with our colleagues, partners and friends here in Thailand, a country with whom Australia shares a long and enduring partnership, and a country close to Australians' hearts.

Our First Nations Australians are the world’s oldest continuous culture, with more than 65,000 years of indigenous connection to country. We recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ survival, resilience and enduring culture. Last year the embassy was proud to showcase Australia’s indigenous culture through a film, Star Dreaming, which was shown across Thailand.

This year, we reflect on the Bondi Beach terrorist attack that killed 15 innocent people. We held a National Day of Mourning on Jan 22, which reaffirmed our national determination for light to triumph over darkness. We grieve for those whose lives were stolen and honour how ordinary Australians responded with acts of extraordinary courage and compassion.