Strathbogie Shire Council proposes a change of Australia Day celebrations

By Caitlyn Grant

May 29, 2022

Community consultation: Mayor of Strathbogie Shire Laura Binks said there has been “significant momentum” in calls to change the Australia Day date.

Strathbogie Shire Council is seeking community input on a review of traditional Australia Day celebrations.

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At Strathbogie Shire Council’s May meeting, councillors resolved to undertake community consultation on two different options for January 26.

“Calls to shift the date of Australia Day have gained significant momentum over past years with the wider community growing increasingly aware that it is a day that many First Nations people find difficult or even offensive,” Strathbogie Shire Mayor Laura Binks said.

She said council had partnered with community groups to deliver celebrations on January 26 for many years.

“These celebrations usually include a community gathering, barbecues, local performance and often community awards,” she said.

“However, January 26 is a difficult day for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

“The anniversary of this day marks the start of the dispossession and marginalisation of First Nations people.”

The first option details how it would look if council were to no longer celebrated January 26 as Australia Day.

Instead, on that date the Aboriginal flag would be lowered to half-mast.

Council would advocate to the state and Federal Governments “where appropriate” to change the date.

Promotion of celebrations held on the date would be co-ordinated by individual town Australia Day Committees for events next year and beyond.

Along with amendments of council’s event sponsorships and community grant guidelines, council would formally support the celebration of these community contributions with annual awards in May — instead aligning with Volunteer Week.

Option one included a range of changes, but would continue council’s requirement to hold its citizenship ceremony on January 26 as required.

Option two is that council would continue to celebrate January 26 as per its current arrangements.

Cr Binks said option one did not inhibit community groups from continuing to celebrate Australia Day.

“Community groups, if eligible, will be able to apply directly for National Australia Day Council funding and can choose to recognise the day in a manner appropriate to their community,” she said.

Feedback is open until Monday, June 20 at 9am. To give input or for information, visit www.share.strathbogie.vic.gov.au or phone 1800 065 993.