Woolworths Group has confirmed it will increase its , a year after it reduced merchandise due to a “decline in demand”.
In 2024, the supermarket giant announced it would no longer stock Australia Day paraphernalia such as themed paper plates, thongs, and decorations. The decision was met with swift backlash.
Opposition leader Peter Dutton called for a boycott over the issue, saying it was “against the national interest”, while Prime Minister Anthony Albanese warned that such action could affect supermarket employees.
But this year, Woolworths Group has confirmed it will return to selling Australia Day products, with promotions largely focused on food for the day.
Woolworths Group would be “celebrating Australia Day as a team and with our customers”, a spokesperson told SBS News.
“While we did make changes to our merchandise range last Australia Day due to a decline in demand in our stores, we listened and recognised that many customers and teams wanted us to do more to help them celebrate the day,” the spokesperson said.
“In our supermarkets we will do this through the lens of great Australian food that is perfect for the day, while BIG W will also showcase products perfect for family and friends coming together over the Australia Day long weekend.”
There will also be Australian flags for sale in Woolworths supermarkets and in BIG W stores, and online sites will stock other Australia Day-themed merchandise.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags are also available in Woolworths and BIG W stores.
The spokesperson said team members would also be welcome to celebrate the day in-store.
“We respect everyone’s choices in how they choose to spend the day,” the spokesperson said.
“Our position is aligned with the theme for the day from the National Australia Day Council — reflect, respect and celebrate.”
Australia’s other major supermarket giant, Coles, has confirmed it will also continue to stock “a range of summer entertaining merchandise throughout January”.
“The range will offer a variety of items for customers looking to entertain with BBQs, parties, picnics or for those attending sporting events like the cricket and tennis, as well as for the Australia Day weekend,” a spokesperson said.
What is Australia Day, and why is the date controversial?
Australia Day is the country’s national day, and 26 January marks the anniversary of the British flag first being raised at Sydney Cove by British captain Arthur Phillip.
It is also a date when thousands of migrants become Australian citizens in ceremonies held nationwide and is associated with the Australian of the Year awards.
It was in 1935 that 26 January was first celebrated across the country as Australia Day. Before this, Australia Day was celebrated on different dates.
controversial and to many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People — and non-Indigenous people who support them — 26 January represents colonisation, loss of Indigenous sovereignty, and trauma.
Many refer to it as Invasion Day or Survival Day, and consider it a day of mourning. There have been long-running campaigns and rallies calling for the date to be changed.
Protests and demonstrations are held each year on 26 January, calling for the date of Australia Day to be changed. Credit: AAP
While 26 January is a public holiday in Australia, in recent years, and take a different date off instead.
Some local councils have also opted out of holding citizenship ceremonies on 26 January and are holding them on alternative dates.
Albanese and Dutton have both previously rejected calls for the date to be changed.
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