"In 2017, triple j's Hottest 100 will be on 26 January."
National youth broadcaster triple j have stamped out any further debate over the likelihood of the Hottest 100 moving away from 26 January with a just-released statement advising that the countdown will remain on its traditional day in 2017 — for now, at least.
"Triple j has been part of a growing dialogue around Indigenous recognition and perspectives on 26 January," the statement reads. "This is important to triple j and has been for some time.
"Triple j wants the Hottest 100 to be an inclusive and respectful event for all Australians, including all the incredible Indigenous artists making great Australian music and the listeners from all cultural backgrounds who love it."
"Future years are under review and we'll continue to talk to Indigenous communities, artists and our audience about this," it continued.
Don't miss a beat with our FREE daily newsletter
The statement goes on to acknowledge triple j's association with the Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience (AIME), for which it helped raise more than $100,000 in 2015.
"The Hottest 100 is the biggest thing triple j does every year," Content Director Ollie Wards said in the statement. "While we celebrate the year's best music, we believe that together with a great organisation like AIME, triple j has a powerful opportunity and a responsibility to create a positive impact. In partnering with AIME we hope to raise money to empower Indigenous young people and also acknowledge and discuss all perspectives of 26 January."
It's a stance of understanding and progression echoed by AIME founder and chief executive Jack Manning-Bancroft, who said in the statement: "Australia Day represents pain and mourning for many Australians, including our first Australians. It also represents immense pride for many Aussies, reflecting on how far we've come.
"The past has been written. What I love about triple j and the Hottest 100 is that we have a chance to speak to millions of Australians and provide a platform to shape a narrative for the future filled with colour, joy and love of our difference."
Voting for the 2017 Hottest 100 opens Monday 12 December; if you'd like to donate to AIME before then or at literally any time at all, you can do that too.