As we approach the end of January and reflect on our identity as an Australian brand, I wanted to explain why we’re supporting the 'Not a Date to Celebrate' campaign and our commitment to a more inclusive future.
At Basil Bangs, our identity is deeply rooted in the Australian summer: the long days at the beach, the vibrant light, and the way our lives naturally gravitate outdoors. It is a lifestyle we cherish and one that inspires everything we design in our Northern Beaches studio.
However, as we grow and listen, it has become increasingly clear that January 26th is not a day that all Australians can experience with the same sense of joy.
For many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, this date is a reminder of dispossession, the loss of language, and the beginning of colonisation. It is a day that brings anxiety and hurt rather than a sense of shared community.
At Basil Bangs, our core values are built on connection, good times, and great design for all environments. We believe that for an environment to be truly enriched, it must be inclusive.
We are proud to stand behind the Clothing the Gaps campaign, "Not a Date to Celebrate," founded by Laura Thompson and Sarah Sheridan.
This movement isn’t about not celebrating Australia or the incredible things it means to be Australian. Rather, it is an invitation to find a new date - one that all Australians, including First Nations people, can get behind with a sense of pride and unity. It is about choosing a moment that respects our complex history while looking toward a shared future.
As a workplace and a creative team, we are committed to being part of this conversation. We believe that acknowledging the past is a vital step toward a more cohesive and respectful national identity.
Some people may criticise us for being "woke" or getting political, but celebrating a national day, on a date that marks such profound loss for Traditional Custodians feels at odds with the spirit of togetherness, inclusivity and yes, love, we strive to promote.
We love Australia and being Australian. We love its rugged beauty, unique landscape and our multi-cultural diversity (plus many, many more!). We want to celebrate all of it on a day that feels right for everyone.
Krista Huebner
Co-founder, Basil Bangs
$0.00
