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It brings us together and tears us apart.
The above is a passage from the poem 'The Story of Australia', a recent addition to Australia Day ceremonies in recent years.
It's one that is reflective of a tonal shift in what Australia Day is and how, if at all, it should be celebrated.
Wednesday's commemorations at Goulburn Historic Waterworks featured the familiar stalls, activities, entertainment, citizenship and award ceremonies.
But it also began, not just with the usual Acknowledgment of Country but a smoking ceremony by members of the local Pejar Aboriginal Land Council, one that everyone was invited and encouraged to participate in.
Alongside the quiet reflection there was an impressive dance display by members of Dinawan's Connection from Cowra and once again, locals were encouraged to come on up and take part in an expression of culture and connection to country.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are currently in their 235th year of dispossession and yet still offered to share aspects of their culture, one that was almost wiped out entirely, with those whose ancestors dispossessed them.
Think about that for a second.
Alfie Walker, a Wiradjuri and Yuin man, took the time to explain to members of the crowd what the ceremony means.
"This sets up and forms a ceremony that is very special to our people," he said.
"This smoke is an important tool for us Aboriginal people. It's a cleansing tool. It's something that we acknowledge sends a message to our people and so we take this fire and leaves, create that smoke and have a ceremony of cleansing.
"We would like to share this smoking ceremony and allow you to participate in our culture. This smoke and fire is open to you to come and be a part of."
The fire is open to you.
So, what does this have to do with January 26?
It's an important day in our history. A monumental event occurred when Captain Arthur Phillip entered what was to become Sydney Harbour and came ashore to presumptively plant the Union Jack on Eora country.
It kickstarted a period of this continent's history that has given so much to so many. Whether that be a second chance for convicts or life-saving refuge for those fleeing war, famine and persecution.
But it has also taken away.
A monumental event? Try earth-shattering for those First Nations communities.
Pejar Land Council President Opal O'Neill was visibly moved as she shared with the crowd why this date is so difficult for Aboriginal people.
"Australia Day is celebrated by non-Indigenous Australians to look back on the founding of Australia and to celebrate how Australians have come to live in this wonderful country," she said.
"But this day to Indigenous Australians is looked upon as a day of sorrow and pain at the memory of our ancestors who were slain at the hands of colonisers.
"It is important to remember as you celebrate today with family and friends that this day is also a time of mourning and remembrance of Aboriginal people and should be respected as such.
"This day is also a day were we acknowledge and commemorate the survival of our people and how we as Aboriginal people can continue to share our culture and country with people of every background that call Australia home.
"At the founding of Australia, the reality for us is that it is a day for mourning and remembering those who lost their lives. This is why we call it our national day of survival."
When people talk about reconciliation you hear the word truth-telling quite a lot.
The truth is January 26 was and remains a day of mourning for Aboriginal people. Simple as that.
So while we can and should celebrate our country, if we are serious about including a First Nations settlement and ownership stretching back 60,000 years in those celebrations, perhaps we should pick a date that isn't set aside for mourning.
Perhaps we should remember that the fire is open.
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