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Cricket Australia ends up mentioning Australia Day at the Gabba Test on Friday against the West Indies

Cricket Australia opted for mentioning Australia Day at the Gabba on Friday after a couple of days of tossing up the idea, though Indigenous culture was the main focal point in the pre-match welcome.

After a tense interview on 2GB with Ben Fordham on Tuesday, Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley was grilled on whether the organisation would be “recognising Australia Day or not”.

Mr Hockley, after toing and froing, conceded he did not believe the announcements about Australia Day would be played.

Hours later, Mr Hockley clarified and confirmed the ground announcement at the Gabba would reference the national celebration.

“While we do not refer to Australia Day in our marketing and promotional material, and haven’t done for more than four years, in regard to welcoming people with the ground announcement prior to play on Friday, I’d like to clarify that this will include reference to Australia Day,” he said.

n Friday, cricket fans in Brisbane were ushered into the Gabba to the sound of a Didgeridoo.

“Cricket fans, welcome to the Gabba this Australia Day public holiday,” the announcer said.

“Cricket Australia acknowledges the Yuggera and Turrbal people as the traditional owners and custodians of this land and pays respect to Elders past and present.

“In keeping with our commitment to reconciliation, we encourage all Australians to take a moment today to recognise that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have been here for 60,000 years and today, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures remain the oldest continuing cultures on the planet.

“We encourage all Australians to respect that communities across our richly diverse nation hold different views about what Australia Day and 26 January means to them.  

“We acknowledge that today will evoke different emotions amongst our communities, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and for some the day is regarded as a day of mourning.

“We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ ongoing quest to close the gaps in life outcomes and value the ongoing contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories and cultures to our great nation. 

After a lengthy introduction, the announcer then focused on the cricket.

“Cricket is a sport for all and we welcome all fans and participants, regardless of their identity, background, beliefs or choices. We provide a safe space for the whole community to connect, and feel respected, and we thank you for playing your role. Enjoy the cricket.”

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