But even with the many distractions - bushfires, occasional rain, federal sports grants and Sir Elton John included - the big question at this time of year has again been, just when should we be celebrating our national day?

I must admit, it's one I have struggled with over the years and I'm still not sure where I stand.

I have previously argued that the nation would be best served by leaving Australia Day where it is - on January 26 - and using the day to properly recognise the wrongs of the past while also embracing the present.

There was a philosophical element to my support of January 26 (changing the date would not change our history) and practical element (the date effectively ends the silly season in Australia).

And then there was the reality that changing the date of Australia Day would simply start another argument over what date might be better.

Where would be the benefit in replacing one debate with another?

But my thoughts on the date are far from set in stone and I can't help but wonder each year if changing the date would be best for the country.

If indigenous communities cannot tolerate January 26 as the national day then their views must be respected.

And if some council areas are already moving away from celebrating on that day, then wouldn't it better for us to find a date where we could all celebrate together?

None of these arguments is new and none is closer to being solved than they were a decade ago.

That is precisely the reason the debate returns every year, and it will keep coming back as long as January 26 is both Australia Day and Invasion Day.

Perhaps I am convinced of the need for change, after all.