A number of prominent Indigenous Australians have lent their support to a petition calling for Australia Day to be moved from January 26, arguing it is not a date the nation "should be proud of".

The 'Not a date to celebrate' petition, launched by Naarm-based Clothing the Gaps, currently has more than 21,000 signatures and calls for real and meaningful action to change Australia's 'national day' from January 26 as well as a "clear timeline and a commitment to engage in thoughtful dialogue with all Australians, especially First Nations people".

Referencing terms used by opposition leader Peter Dutton and a number of conservative commentators around calls to change the date, as well issues such as the Aboriginal flag, the petition reads: "Acknowledging the pain associated with January 26 is not about division—it's about healing."

The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) have been at the forefront for progressive improvements for Aboriginal Victorians, and chief executive Jill Gallagher says the petition was a long-overdue rallying cry.

"Each year we find ourselves in the same place, trying to explain why January 26 is not a date that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people want to celebrate," the Gunditjmara woman said.

"This petition is a significant step in the right direction, calling for urgent recognition from the Federal Government that January 26 is not a date our nation should be proud of."

Clothing the Gap's campaign is "deep and special" according to renowned journalist and Yankunytjatjara and Wirangu woman, Shelley Ware.

"I want Australians to realise that there's more to Jan 26 than what they've been told in school," Ms Ware said.

"Campaigns like this actually help with truth-telling and letting us know we can challenge those thoughts we thought were truth, and actually re-educate ourselves; it's all part of that un-learning and re-learning."

Clothing the Gap founder Laura Thompson said by continuing to celebrate on January 26, the country disregards the voices and lived experiences of First Nations people.

"This celebration, which only became an official public holiday in 1994, fails to embody the values of unity, respect, and reconciliation," Ms Thompson said.

"Prime Minister [Anthony] Albanese has already rejected calls to change Australia Day, so by signing this petition, we are urging him to demonstrate leadership and reconsider. To acknowledge the profound significance of this date and the harm that celebrating on that date continues to inflict on Indigenous communities."

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The culture war comments around January 26 often begin in the first weeks of the year, with a number of politicians and media commentators lambasting calls to change the date.

It prompted Labor MP Bill Shorten to tell Mr Dutton on their joint appearance on Nine's Today show last week to drop the "culture wars".

"I'm going to miss you, but one of the things I'm going to miss about you is how you predictably lose your mind just before Australia Day every year," he said.

The failure of the Voice referendum in late 2023 has been seen by some as reason to reject calls for Indigenous progressive thinking on areas around changing the date, as well as more substantial measures such as treaty and truth-telling calls.

This, despite the referendum mentioning any of them.

Ms Gallagher said the petition was an opportunity for the federal government to support inclusion and respect.

"A new date is needed which not only recognises everything Australia has become since 26 January 1788 but also recognises the rich and vibrant Aboriginal culture and history that existed and thrived long before the First Fleet ever arrived upon these shores," she said.

"As a proud Aboriginal woman, I want nothing more than to celebrate this amazing country with all Australians – but January 26 is not that date."