Untitled Group Staff Worked ‘With Purpose’ on Australia Day

It was just another manic Monday for Untitled Group, whose staff worked through the Australia Day public holiday with “purpose” and in solidarity with the “change the date” campaign.

The independent concerts and events colossus shared a statement early Monday, confirming that it was business as usual on this most unusual of holidays.

“In recognition of the significance of Invasion/Survival Day, Untitled Group will spend January 27th working with purpose,” reads the message. “We acknowledge the gravity of this day and approach it with the respect and reflection it deserves.”

As part of this, the statement continues, “we will hold a conversation led by Yorta Yorta woman and Untitled Group team member, Georgia Old. This discussion will focus on identifying meaningful ways we can embed support for Indigenous communities across all facets of our work.”

Untitled Group is one of a growing collection of music industry businesses and organisations that have supported staff to work through the Australia Day holiday, joining the likes of UNIFIED Music Group, Mardi Caught’s The Annex and Stephen Hunt’s Music Health.

Australia Day, the official national day, commemorates the 1788 landing of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove, but many indigenous and First Nations people observe the annual holiday as a day of mourning — as “Invasion Day” or “Survival Day.”

In the social media age, an awakening, and a broader conversation on whether the date best represents an inclusive Australia.

“Our commitment extends beyond this day as we strive to align our actions with the vision of a fair and equitable future that amplifies the voices of Australia’s First Peoples,” reads the Untitled document. “For over 80,000 years, they have been custodians of this land, sharing its stories and songlines that define its identify.”

The message signs off, “Always was, always will be. Sovereignty was never ceded.”

“We stand with our First Nations family. This is not a date to celebrate,” reads a social post from The Annex.

Melbourne-based Untitled is cruising through another blockbuster touring period. The independent concerts, festivals and events business produced Dom Dolla’s 2024 tour, which shifted more than 170,000 tickets, marking the largest-ever run by an Australian electronic artist. 

With a slate of brands, including Beyond The Valley, Pitch Music & Arts, Wildlands, Grapevine Gathering, For The Love and Ability Fest, Untitled has, too, been lauded for its efforts.

In June 2024, the Melbourne-based company won the Live Business category at the inaugural Variety Live Business Breakfast, and at year’s end cracked the Australian Financial Review’s Fast Lists, appearing at No. 43 on the AFR Fast 100, saluting established companies.

Untitled produced the concerts component of the recently-completed Australian Open tennis tournament, AO Live.