The City of Greater Geelong has committed to engage in extensive consultation with the community on the future directions of 26 January, which is currently celebrated as Australia Day.
Mayor Peter Murrihy said the key objectives of the consultation are to acknowledge and gain in depth understanding of the experiences and opinions of First Nations Peoples and those of the wider community.
“For some people in our community, the 26th of January is a day to celebrate, while for many First Nations People it represents a day of mourning, sorrow and survival,” he said.
“We don’t want to shy away from difficult conversations. This is about listening, showing mutual respect, and gaining greater understanding.”
Initially, two separate forums for First Nations People will be held, each moderated by local First Nations broadcaster Troy Benjamin (Wadi Wadi, Tati Tati, Mutti Mutti and Wamba Wamba/ Wemba Wemba) from 3KND.
They will be followed by broader engagement with all feedback used to help guide the City’s future approach to 26 January.
The Australian government has gazetted 26 January as national holiday since 1994, and the engagement by the City of Greater Geelong Council does not propose to change the date, it said.
Kilangitj Aboriginal Advisory Committee member Kaley Nicholson is among the growing number of community members eager to have their voices heard.
Kaley, a Barapa Barapa, Mutti Mutti, Yorta Yorta, Boonwurrung, and Taungurung woman, is a policy strategist and co-founder and Director of Yilam Pty Ltd, a 100 per cent Aboriginal owned and female led start up that centres Aboriginal philosophies of caring for and connecting to Country in the camping industry.
“I’m excited to be part of the conversation and contribute my opinions to such an important issue,” she said.
“As a community we have the opportunity to share our thoughts, experiences and opinions; and it’s my hope that everyone across Greater Geelong gets involved.”
Forum one will be held at Corio Library on Cox Road from 11am to 2pm Friday September 9 and forum two will be held at the Gordon Gallery on Fenwick Street from 11am to 2pm on Friday September 14.
Online surveys can be completed on Council’s Have Your Say page.
