IS THIS the final countdown?

For an entire generation, it has not been beaches, backyard barbies or even booze that has encapsulated Australia Day.

The annual Triple J Hottest 100 has taken on something of a cultural icon status since its debut in 1989 but it could, tomorrow, have its January 26 swan song.

Late last year, a push to have the much-loved countdown moved from Australia Day gathered swift momentum, with more than 5000 people signing an online petition to have it shifted to a less divisive day.

The push came out of respect for the nation’s indigenous people, many of whom regard January 26, the day the First Fleet arrived, as “Invasion Day”.

While the national youth broadcaster said previously that this year’s countdown would remain on Australia Day, it said the date for future years would be subject to review.

On the eve of the countdown on Wednesday, the broadcaster said a decision was still yet to be made on 2018 and beyond.

“The review is still in progress and consultation will continue throughout the first half of 2017,” the station said in a statement.

“Triple J has been and will continue to consult a variety of groups on the differing perspectives of 26 January.

“We’re consulting with the ABC Bonner Committee, who are the ABC’s primary advisory body on issues relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, content, and communities.

“There’s also discussions with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander media, language groups, and many of the indigenous artists featured on Triple J.”

Since its 1989 debut, the Hottest 100 has taken on something of a cultural icon status, with many an Australia Day gathering centred around it.

However, the Hottest 100 has not always been held on the public holiday.

The countdown was first held in March, 1989.

It features the most popular songs of the year as voted by the Triple J audience.

In its statement, the broadcaster said in addition to cultural and indigenous groups, its audience would also be widely consulted.

The decision is expected to be announced in the latter half of 2017.

“You’ll get a chance to have your say too,” the statement said.

“Later this year, listeners will also have the opportunity to share their thoughts with Triple J. “We’ll then update everyone on the date of future Hottest 100s during the second half of 2017.”

From 8.15am tomorrow, the station’s current affairs program Hack will be broadcasting a half-hour special, which will explore the differing points of view around Australia Day being on January 26.

This year’s Hottest 100 countdown, which begins at midday, AEDT, set a new voting record, according to the broadcaster.

More than two million votes were cast, 7.6 per cent more than last year.

It apparently also smashed another record.

“It’s also a record breaking year for Aussie music,” Triple J said.

“You’ll hear 66 Australian songs in tomorrow’s countdown, that’s two thirds of the damn thing, and the most to ever appear in a Hottest 100 countdown.”

Petitioners last year urged the move as a mark of respect for Aboriginal Australians.

“Australia Day represents, for First Nations’ Peoples, a date commemorating the invasion of their countries and colonisation of their ways of life, rather than a celebration of what it now means to be Australian,” the petitioners wrote.

“We recognise that it isn’t within the power of Triple J to change this date, however, it is capable of using their broadcast to make a statement of solidarity with the experience of those whose countries were colonised.

“The ABC has a long history of excellent broadcasting with a focus on diversity, and Triple J is no exception.”

Triple J is the youth arm of the public broadcaster, ABC.

Petitioners said the station could send a strong message by moving the songfest to a new day.

“By changing the date of the Hottest 100 countdown, Triple J can send a message to First Nations’ Peoples that they, and their experiences, are valued and respected by other Australians.”

Which day do you think the Triple J Hottest 100 countdown should be held on? Email kim.stephens@news.com.au with your thoughts.