In recent news, the decision by around 200 pubs to forgo celebrations for Australia Day has sparked controversy among Australians. The Australian Venue Company, which owns these pubs, cited the sentiments of some community members who find sadness in the national day. Critics argue that such a move compromises the spirit of inclusivity and patriotism synonymous with Australia Day, a holiday enjoyed by many across the nation.
The backlash against the Australian Venue Company stems from claims that they prioritize political correctness over cultural significance. Many Australians are expressing anger over the idea that an overseas investment firm should dictate whether they can celebrate their nation's heritage. Local patrons are urged to boycott these venues, marking a significant divide between corporate policy and public sentiment regarding national identity.
Craig Laundy, former Minister and pub owner, advocates for a more inclusive approach to celebrations, noting the historical importance of Australia Day as a time for heritage reflection. He emphasizes that the community's sentiments must be recognized by businesses and highlights the need for corporate entities to resonate with the celebrations that are dear to Australians. In light of the negative feedback, the Australian Venue Company has issued a public apology and reaffirmed their commitment to inclusivity on Australia Day.
As Australia Day approaches, a heated controversy has erupted surrounding the decision of approximately 200 pubs and bars, owned by the Australian Venue Company, to not celebrate this significant national day. Instead, they have opted to acknowledge the sentiments of the indigenous community, citing that the day causes sadness for some members of the society. This stance has ignited a spirited discussion among Australians who are passionate about their country and its traditions. Many are expressing frustration, claiming that the choice to abstain from celebrating Australia Day reflects a misguided commitment to political correctness rather than a genuine understanding of the day’s importance. Critics of the Australian Venue Company argue that the decision, influenced by overseas investors, undermines the essence of being an Aussie pub. They contend that this approach is a departure from what many Australians cherish and celebrate about their country on January 26th. Additionally, the company, which celebrates several other days including LGBTQIA+ events and International Women's Day, faces accusations of hypocrisy from loyal patrons who feel sidelined during a significant national holiday. Lawsuits are brewing as patrons contemplate boycotting establishments that now turn a blind eye to Australia Day. In a recent statement, Craig Laundy, former Minister and owner of over 40 venues, expressed his disapproval of the Australian Venue Company's stance. Laundy highlights that Australia Day is a gazetted public holiday celebrated by many and emphasizes that it reflects the strong heritage and national pride of Australians. He further notes that the disconnect felt by some businesses regarding Australia Day contrasts with how much the younger generation continues to celebrate the occasion, showcasing vibrant traditions like barbecues and parties leading up to the day. Laundy’s insights provide a glimpse into the cultural relevancy that still binds many Australians to their national day, suggesting a need to rethink how businesses align their identities with public sentiment. In a surprising turn, following the backlash and public scrutiny, the Australian Venue Company released a statement clarifying their intentions. They expressed regret for any offense caused and reinforced their commitment to inclusivity in their venues, stating they will remain open on Australia Day. This development showcases the impact of public opinion on business decisions, underscoring the vital role that community sentiment plays in shaping corporate policies. With the debate around Australia Day celebrations continuing, many patrons are now left contemplating their choices regarding where to enjoy the day and support local businesses that honor their heritage.This pub group are so going to regret this decision! Not just for the Australia Day decision, but that we now know they are owned by a foreign concern! And by the way the days they do celebrate are bloody stupid!
Imagine if someone hacked City beach and said no.. no more $2 singlets for $45 no more $Hoodies for $65 no more $1 under wear for $25
I remember attending my first Australia Day celebration back in 1979, we arrived in Australia 13th December 1978 the plane was late in to Sydney Airport due to the baggage strike that happened that day, our flight was grounded in Perth for over 4 hours. The introduction to Australia was massive strikes across the board the brewery workers went out on strike 6 weeks before Christmas knowing full well it was the highest turn over in profit for the companies. From the Christmas, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve right through to the Australia Day celebrations. Australia Day was a huge celebration back then, community came together to celebrate, we spent it with family members who were celebrating it with their neighbours and their families. There were pop up street parties all around Sydney. All through the 80’s and 90’s Australia Day became huge celebrations on Sydney harbour, then 2000 rolled around and suddenly each year it started to become taboo to celebrate Australia the whole meaning of it got twisted by aboriginal activities who started to say it was about the first sailing ships that landed in Botany Bay. Even now when you go and google it they are saying it was about the first landing, but it was not, Australia Day was about Australia winning the right to have its own governing bodies being independent from the British Parliament for the first time, being allowed to govern from Australia and not having to have Australians citizens spending time in the UK fighting for the rights of those who were living half a world away in Australia. It was about how Australian citizens got to vote for one person within their community to stand up for them in an Australian democracy. Did you know that SA never had enough male citizens to hold a fair vote and so women on SA were the first woman in Australia to have the right to vote not just in Australia but in the World. It was Australian women who first got the right to vote. That is what Australia Day started out to celebrate, the rights of all Australian citizens the first fleet was tagged on to Australia Day a hundred years later as many realised that good or bad the first convicts had a hand in shaping this Great Nation. It’s just a shame that woke activist groups came along in the past 10 plus years and have caused so much damage to this once”Great Nation” Until you stamp out the activists who are in it for what they can get their grubby little mitts on what is not theirs in the first place. Until all Australians stand as one country with its rich diversity it will never function as one.
They have 200 pubs, there are 5960 pubs in Australia, did they think they had the market cornered 🤣🤣🤣
