Surf Coast Shire Council has cancelled its official Australia Day celebrations, pledging to fly the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island flags half-mast on January 26, 2022.
Council voted 6-3 to cease participating in celebratory events on the national holiday following a heated debate on Tuesday night.
Councillor Kate Gazzard said the changes would help promote healing and reconciliation.
“January 26 is a day that signifies sadness for our traditional owners and other First Nations people,” Cr Gazzard said.
“Council is committed to doing something about this by not being a part of celebrations on the day and lowering the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island flags as show of solidarity and respect.”
Cr Paul Barker opposed the changes, saying they did not represent the majority of Surf Coast residents.
“If we keep forcing change on the community without bringing them along it will cause more division,” he said.
Cr Heather Wellington supported changing the date of Australia Day but said this was a federal government responsibility, not that of council.
She described council’s exclusion of non-indigenous groups in its consultation prior to the decision as “totally inadequate”.
Cr Adrian Schonfelder also opposed the changes, likening January 26 to Anzac Day, while federal Victorian senator Sarah Henderson took aim at the decision.
“At a time when our community needs hope and unity, these proposals fuel community dissent and division,” Ms Henderson said.
“Australia Day is a time for all Australians to reflect, respect and celebrate whilst reflecting on our achievements and past including our wrongs against indigenous Australians. It is a time to unite, not divide.”
Luke Voogt
