What does January 26 mean for First Nations people and what would it look like to create a national holiday that everyone can be part of?

In this episode of Community Conversations by Clothing The Gaps, host Sarah Sherry sits down with her co-founder, Laura Thompson, to unpack new national research into racism experienced by First Nations people on January 26.

Together with Future Super, Clothing The Gaps commissioned YouGov to conduct a nationally representative poll exploring First Nations people's experiences of racism, safety and belonging on January 26. The findings are confronting: 32% of First Nations people have experienced racism on the day, 40% have witnessed it, and one in four have felt unsafe or fearful.

Laura and Sarah discuss what these numbers reveal, why the experiences behind the statistics matter, and why they believe Australia needs to rethink the date of its national holiday.

They also unpack the proposal for an Australian Long Weekend — a public holiday held on the second-last Monday of January, while January 26 would be marked as a day of mourning, reflection and truth-telling. The proposal is supported by 54% of Australians, while more than 70% of First Nations people support shifting the date to an Australian Long Weekend.

There is a Trigger Warning for Racism in this episode and we encourage listeners to go gently and seek support when needed:

13YARN (13 92 76) - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Crisis Support
Lifeline (13 11 14) - Crisis Support

This episode explores:

• Why January 26 is described as a day of mourning
• Why Clothing The Gaps commissioned the national poll
• The scale of racism experienced and witnessed on January 26
• The rise of online racism and social media as a frontline for hate
• Why younger First Nations people are carrying a particularly heavy burden
• The stories behind the statistics
• The impact of wearing your values on January 26
• The Australian Long Weekend proposal
• Why January 26 could instead become a day of mourning and reflection
• Taking the research to the parliamentary inquiry into racism, hate and violence
• The need for mental health support for people experiencing racism
• How non-Indigenous Australians can visibly stand with First Nations people
• Why changing the date alone won't solve racism, but can be a practical step forward
• Turning research and evidence into meaningful action

This is a conversation about racism, truth-telling and change.
About listening to the experiences behind the statistics.
And about imagining a national day that First Nations people can actually be part of.

Guest

Laura Thompson
Co-founder & CEO, Clothing The Gaps
Proud Gunditjmara woman

Links
Clothing The Gaps: clothingthegaps.com.au
Australia Long Weekend: australialongweekend.com.au

Petitions
What about an Australia Long Weekend? - https://www.change.org/p/create-an-australian-long-weekend-move-the-public-holiday-from-jan-26
Jan 26 is Not a Date to Celebrate - https://www.change.org/p/australia-day-jan-26-not-a-date-to-celebrate

Chapters
00:00 Why January 26 Isn't a Day to Celebrate
03:04 January 26 as a Day of Mourning
03:36 Why Clothing The Gaps Commissioned the Poll
05:29 What Politicians Said About Changing the Date
06:37 One in Three First Nations People Experience Racism
09:17 Racism Online & Social Media as the Frontline
10:38 Why Younger First Nations People Are Carrying the Burden
11:44 The Stories Behind the Data
12:48 The Australian Long Weekend Proposal
14:51 Marking January 26 as a Day of Mourning
15:53 Taking the Evidence to Parliament
18:27 Can Changing the Date Reduce Racism?
20:00 Why Laura Still Has Hope
20:45 How You Can Take Action
21:59 Standing Up Against Racism

More Than a Tee: The Truth About Blak Retail

What does it really mean to build a space that centres Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people?

In this emotional episode of Community Conversations by Clothing The Gaps, we sit down with Ebony, the retail manager who helped shape one of the most impactful Blak retail spaces in Australia.

After six years of holding space, mentoring community, and guiding thousands of conversations, Ebony reflects on:

• What a “safe Blak space” actually looks and feels like
• The meaning behind Mob-only and ally-friendly clothing
• Why political fashion is more than just what you wear
• The emotional weight of working in a purpose-driven business
• The reality of allyship in action, not just intention
• How fashion can spark real conversations and change
• What happened inside the store after the Voice referendum
• Why visibility and representation truly matter

This is not just retail.

It's a community.
It’s identity.
It’s activism in action.

00:00 “There Aren’t Enough Spaces for Mob to Be Themselves”
00:44 Welcome & Ebony’s Final Week Reflection
02:33 Can I Wear That? Understanding Ally vs Mob
04:08 Why Mob-Only Pieces Matter
06:35 Allyship Is Just the Starting Point
08:42 Matching People to Conversations They’re Ready For
10:46 What a Safe Blak Space Feels Like
12:08 A Store That Centres First Nations People
15:52 Identity, Pride & Representation in Retail
18:12 Why the Mob Discount Matters
22:30 The Emotional Weight Behind the Counter
25:06 The Reality After the Voice Referendum
27:20 Holding Space for Community Grief
30:07 Why This Store Is More Than Retail
33:47 What Is Political Fashion?
36:49 Wearing Your Values & Building Trust
37:43 The Impact of the Free the Flag Movement
41:47 Why Visibility Matters All Year Round
42:48 Ebony’s Reflection After 6 Years

What does climate change actually look like when it’s happening to your home in real time?

In this episode of Community Conversations from Clothing The Gaps, Sarah Sherry sits down with proud Kulkalgal woman, marine biologist and climate justice advocate Tishiko King for a powerful conversation about sea country, self-determination, climate justice and the future of Torres Strait Island communities.

Tish shares what it feels like to grow up on Masig Island, why climate change is already reshaping life in the Torres Strait, and the emotional reality of fighting to protect culture, stories and country for future generations.

The conversation also explores:

• Rising sea levels and climate impacts in the Torres Strait
• Why First Nations-led climate solutions matter
• Decolonising wealth and philanthropy
• The work behind Just Futures Collab
• Climate adaptation, seawalls and justice
• Indigenous sovereignty and environmental protection
• Community-led giving and climate action

This is a deeply human conversation about responsibility, resilience and what climate justice really means when your homeland is on the frontline.

 00:16 – Welcome to Community Conversations
 01:10 – Introducing Tishiko King
 02:32 – What Masig Island feels like
 06:24 – Life on a tiny Torres Strait island
 08:24 – Who keeps Tish grounded
 12:10 – The everyday reality of climate change in the Torres Strait
 15:07 – Climate impacts on culture, country and ancestors
 17:15 – Why climate justice is a First Nations issue
 19:38 – The emotional weight of climate advocacy
 22:00 – What self-determination actually looks like
 24:49 – The risk of losing culture and country
 26:19 – The story behind Just Futures Collab
 29:03 – The Torres Strait climate human rights case
 31:49 – Seawalls, adaptation and broken systems
 38:11 – Decolonising wealth and philanthropy
 41:35 – Funding Indigenous-led climate solutions
 43:24 – What’s next for Just Futures Collab
 46:04 – Everyday generosity and collective action
 47:42 – Why mainland Australians should care
 49:13 – Final reflections

Connect with Tish and support Just Futures Collab here: https://www.justfuturescollab.org.au/

Running, Resilience & Reclaiming Space | Sissy Austin on Take Back The Track 

What happens when the place that brings you peace becomes the place that changes your life forever?

In this episode of Community Conversations by Clothing The Gaps, host Sarah Sherry sits down with her dear friend Sissy Austin for a powerful conversation about running, healing, justice, advocacy, and reclaiming public space.

Sissy Austin is a proud Gunditjmara, Keerray Woorroong and Djab Wurrung woman, passionate runner, truth teller, and founder of Take Back The Track.
 

Following a violent assault while running on Country in 2023, Sissy began a deeply personal healing journey that would eventually lead her to complete the New York City Marathon through the Indigenous Marathon Project and launch a national movement advocating for the safety of women and gender diverse runners.

This episode explores:

• Connection to Country through running
• Healing after violence and trauma
• Community care and collective strength
• The Indigenous Marathon Project journey
• Running the New York City Marathon
• Resilience, grief, and recovery
• Women and gender diverse peoples’ safety and public space
• Media narratives and racism
• Why Take Back The Track was created
• The future of safe running for all

This is a conversation about courage.
About refusing to let fear steal joy.
And about what it means to reclaim freedom, one step at a time.

Guest

Sissy Austin, Founder of Take Back The Track

Links

Take Back The Track

ABC Article on Sissy's attack

Chapters

00:00 Running, Healing & Connection to Country
02:45 Why Running Became Sissy’s Anchor
08:12 The Assault That Changed Everything
12:40 Community Care After Trauma
18:10 Returning to Running Again
23:00 Racism, Media Narratives & Public Response
26:05 The Indigenous Marathon Project Journey
33:10 Training Through Injury & Deep Water Running
36:35 Crossing the New York Marathon Finish Line
41:05 The Birth of Take Back The Track
46:05 Why Women Shouldn’t Have To “Run Safe”
49:18 Building a National Movement
51:00 Research, Advocacy & Changing Systems
51:57 The Future Sissy Wants For Runners

What is worth saving in this country if not our history?

In this powerful episode of Community Conversations by Clothing The Gaps, we sit down with Dr Aunty Esme Bamblett, a respected Elder and long-serving CEO of the Aborigines Advancement League.

With over 50 years of advocacy, leadership, and lived experience, as the current serving CEO of the Aborigines Advancement League, Aunty Esme shares:

• The truth about assimilation and its impact on Aboriginal communities
• The origins and legacy of the Aboriginal Advancement League
• Stories of resilience, activism, and cultural survival
• The role of leaders like William Cooper and Pastor Doug Nicholls
• The importance of identity, kinship, and community
• Why Aboriginal culture is something Australia must protect
• What real allyship and “upstanding” looks like today
• Her vision for the next seven generations

This is more than a conversation.

It’s a history lesson, a call to action, and a reminder of what truly matters.

Chapters

00:00 “What Is Worth Saving in This Country?”
00:25 Welcome to Community Conversations
02:05 Aunty Esme’s Early Life & Family Story
05:08 Education, Motherhood & Leadership Journey
06:41 A Legacy of Activism & Political Strength
08:01 The Origins of the Aboriginal Advancement League
09:46 Community, Culture & Collective Responsibility
11:10 Walking in the Footsteps of Giants
13:09 The Power of Early Aboriginal Activism
15:54 Standing Against Global Injustice
17:15 Why Safe Spaces Like The League Matter
19:22 Fighting for Land, Rights & Community
20:06 The Truth About Assimilation
22:27 Place, Belonging & Cultural Safety
23:33 Saving Lake Tyers & Community Land
25:38 The Black Power Movement & Cultural Pride
27:04 “Black Is Beautiful” – A Turning Point
30:56 The League as “Mother” of Community
33:31 From Activism to Treaty Conversations
36:11 What The League Means Today
38:11 Thinking in Seven Generations
40:01 How to Support & Take Action
41:18 Why Aboriginal Culture Must Be Protected

In this episode of Community Conversations by Clothing The Gaps, we sit down with Travis Lovett, a leader in Australia’s truth-telling movement and founder of the Walk for Truth.

This conversation dives deep into:

• Why truth-telling is essential for healing and progress
• The real lived experiences behind Australia’s history
• The myths and misconceptions about First Nations people
• What the Yoorrook Justice Commission uncovered
• Why a national truth-telling process is needed now
• The emotional weight of carrying community stories
• How everyday Australians can be part of change
• The impact of the Walk for Truth movement
• What the future could look like if we get this right

This isn’t about blame.
It’s about understanding.

Because healing can only happen when truth, justice, and action come first.

Chapters

00:00 “History Is Always Told by the Oppressor”
00:24 Introduction to Trav & Truth-Telling
02:15 Identity, Language & Resistance
05:27 Where Australia Is Right Now
07:36 The Power of Walking Together
09:01 Calling for National Truth-Telling
11:01 Debunking Myths About First Nations People
13:15 The Weight of Truth-Telling Work
15:05 From Stories to Solutions
17:21 Why This Responsibility Belongs to Everyone
18:21 Truth → Justice → Healing
19:31 What a National Process Could Look Like
22:44 Why Truth-Telling Must Be Local & National
25:15 Creating Safe Spaces for Sharing Truth
28:21 Celebrating Strength, Not Just Trauma
28:46 For Those Who Feel Uncomfortable
31:36 Understanding Context, Not Blame
32:40 The Walk for Truth Movement
34:58 Why Walking Creates Real Connection
36:43 How You Can Get Involved
37:07 What Could Change in 10–20 Years
40:43 Ways to Support the Movement
42:09 Final Reflections & Invitation to Act

More Information:
The Walk for Truth - https://www.walkfortruth.com/

Yoorook Justice Comission - https://www.yoorrook.org.au/

Open Letter to the Prime Minister - Add your Name Here

January 26 is a date that continues to divide Australia. For some it is “Australia Day”. For many First Peoples, it is Invasion Day, Survival Day, or a Day of Mourning.

In this episode of Community Conversations, host Sarah Sherry (Clothing The Gaps) is joined by Laura Thompson (Gunditjmara woman, CEO and co-founder of Clothing The Gaps) and Phil Jenkyn (OAM, barrister and community activist, co-convener of the Australia Long Weekend idea) to unpack why January 26 is not a date to celebrate, how community pressure is shifting public perception, and a new proposal that aims to create a more inclusive national moment.

Together they explore symbolism and policy, cultural safety, truth-telling, and a practical alternative: an Australia Long Weekend set on the second last Monday in January, designed to keep a summer long weekend while quarantining January 26 as a day for mourning and reflection.

Key takeaways

• January 26 carries deep hurt for First Nations people, and the day often brings heightened racism and division.
  
  
• Symbolism matters: changing an administrative date can be a meaningful first step toward larger justice and truth-telling.
  
  
• The Australia Long Weekend proposal aims to keep a summer celebration without anchoring it to colonisation.
  
  
• Momentum is growing because the issue now impacts many Australians, including new citizens who feel uncomfortable with January 26 ceremonies.
  
  
• Change requires respectful dialogue, accuracy, and shared responsibility from community, media, business, and government.
  
  
• Links and resources:
  • Sign petition
    
    
  • Australia Long Weekend website 
    
    
  • Clothing The Gaps Not A Date To Celebrate campaign
    
    
  • Learn more about January 26 and its history 

In this podcast, Co-Founders of Clothing the Gaps – Laura Thompson (Gunditjamara) and Sarah Sheridan catch up with Felicity Cull. Felicity is Head of Digital Content (aka, Social Media Expert!) at a Strategic Communications Agency - Pesel and Carr.  

Tune in to listen to our stories of how we are working to keep Clothing The Gaps a safe Blak platform especially, in the lead up to the Voice Referendum on Oct 14 and beyond. Felicity also, shares her top tips, so Mob can safely read the comments on social media.

Read more in the blog: https://www.clothingthegaps.com.au/blogs/blogs/read-the-comments 

This casual conversational podcast with co-founders of Clothing The Gaps, Laura and Sarah plus Senator Stewart explores the role allyship and political fashion in the lead up to the referendum for a First  Nation Voice to parliament and recognition in the constitution.

The podcast yarn has many tips for how everyday Australians and business can stand in solidarity with First Nations people at this time. 

We also share excitedly and emotionally about the  'Dress That Says Yes' and the fashion moment we created, when the Senator wore the couture gown Clothing The Gaps made her to the Parliamentary Mid winter ball.


More about:
Senator Jana Stewart is a proud Mutthi Mutthi and Wamba Wamba woman from North-West Victoria, and a mother of two.

Jana is the youngest First Nations woman to be elected in Federal Parliament, and the first Aboriginal Labor Senator for Victoria. From her work at Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency and the Child Protection System, all the way to the steps of parliament – Jana has never been afraid to stand up for others.

Laura Thompson is a proud Gunditjmara woman for the Western district of Victoria, and mother to three teenagers. Laura is the co-founder and CEO of Clothing The Gaps she is also sister-in-law to Senator Stewart.  Laura has an educational background in public health and never expected to be running a clothing brand!

Sarah Sheridan is deputy CEO and Co-founder of Clothing The Gaps. Sarah  is non-Indigenous and grew up in country Victoria - she meet Laura  whilst doing her Health Sciences student placement at the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service back in 2013 - they have been working side by side ever since.

Clothing The Gaps is an Aboriginal Social Enterprise and B-Corp. We registered as business in 2020. We unite people through fashion and cause. 

Spirit of the March watch YouTube video.
The reasons at the heart of why First Nations people March. 

Listen to the words of Joanne and appreciate that when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people march they don't just walk for the reason outlined on the event poster - it's much deeper and personal than that! We march for our ancestors, we march for justice, we march for equality.... 

Spoken by:
Robbie Thorpe (Gunai Kurnai)
Dougie Briggs (Yorta Yorta, Wirundjeri)
Courtney Ugle (Noongar)
Medika Thorpe (Gunai Kurnai, Narungga, Wemba Wemba and Gunditjmara)
Nick Pearce (Co-founder, HoMie)
Ellen Jacobsen (Social Impact Manager, HoMie)

Written by:
Joanne Dwyer (Gunditjamra)

Directed by:
Clothing The Gaps

Sound by:
Tori Yuksel

Music by:
Daen Ellis (Gunai, Yorta Yorta, Waka- Waka and Gunditjmara)