First released in 2023, this Squiz Kids Shortcut is back.

January 26 has been known by many names over time: Landing Day, Foundation Day, Invasion Day and Survival Day. It began as a celebration for freed convicts, became a public holiday nationwide in 1994, and today means very different things to different Australians.

In this episode, we explore how January 26 became Australia Day, why it’s a day of celebration for some but a day of mourning for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and what people around the country do to mark the occasion, from Survival Day events to citizenship ceremonies and Australian of the Year awards.

Thoughtful, informative, and designed to help kids understand multiple perspectives, this is your Squiz Kids Shortcut to Australia Day.

Australia Day Events 2026

Australian of the Year nominees 2026