Council is seeking community input into two options relating to our role on January 26. This is an opportunity to review traditional Australia Day celebrations to be more respectful and to begin to recognise the significance of the day to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.

Celebrations held on January 26 are known to have a negative impact on many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

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.

Council is committed to engaging with our community – including established and newly arrived communities – to raise community awareness and understanding about the campaign to change the date of Australia day.

On May 17, 2022 Strathbogie Shire Councillors passed a motion that Council:

1. Authorise Council Officers to consult directly with the Australia Day Committees operating within the municipality, and the broader community through the Share Strathbogie portal, on the following options for acknowledging January 26:

(i) Option 1 In accordance with the inclusivity objectives within the Community Vision and the Memorandum of Understanding with the Taungurung Land and Waters Council, Strathbogie Shire Council no longer formally supports celebrations on January 26 each year as follows:

• Lower the Aboriginal Flag to half-mast on January 26 out of respect for the First Nations people and what the day represents for First Nations people;

• Continue Council’s requirement to hold a Citizenship Ceremony on January 26 as required;
• Advocate to the State and Federal Governments where appropriate to change the date of ‘Australia Day’ to a date that can be celebrated by all;
• Funding from the National Australia Day Council to hold or host Australia Day awards or celebratory activities to be the responsibility of the individual township Australia Day Committees for events in 2023 and beyond;
• Amend Council's event sponsorship and community grant guidelines deeming activities celebrating Australia Day on January 26 (in kind or cash) as ineligible;
• Promotion of celebrations held on January 26 to be coordinated by the individual township Australia Day Committees for events in 2023 and beyond; and

• Formally support the celebration of community contribution with annual awards in May as part of Volunteer Week, recognising the outstanding community contribution of individuals and groups within Strathbogie Shire, commencing in 2023.

AND

(ii) Option 2 Council continues to celebrate January 26 as per current arrangements.’

2. Note that Officers will continue their ongoing communication with Taungurung Land and Waters Council and Yorta Yorta Nations Aboriginal Corporation on any future acknowledgment of January 26; and

3. Consider a report on Council’s position in regard to January 26 incorporating the feedback from community feedback at a Council meeting to be held on June 28 2022 at 6pm in the Euroa Community Conference Centre, Bury Street, Euroa

Council has a responsibility to advocate on behalf of its community, as well as deliver a range of essential services.

Since the Local Government Act 1989 (Vic) was passed 30 years ago, the role of local councils has grown to do more for local communities, including “advocating the interests of the local community to other communities and governments”.

As a Council, we have a legislative responsibility to show leadership and advocate for our community. As important as our advocacy work is, we are equally committed to delivering a range of everyday services and programs.

We are getting involved because this is a local issue as much as it is a national one.

The way we mark January 26 has a significant negative impact on many in the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

We have a long-standing and collaborative relationship with the local Aboriginal community and have been working closely with the Traditional Owners of the land, including an MoU with the Taungurung Land and Waters Council to strengthen our relationships.

No. We are seeking community input into two options relating to our role on January 26. This is an opportunity review the traditional Australia Day celebrations to be more respectful and to begin to recognise the significance of the day to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.

We are currently seeking feedback on two options on Council’s involvement on January 26.

Absolutely. Option One does not inhibit community groups from continuing to celebrate Australia Day. If eligible, community groups 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.

We are not anti-Australia Day, nor opposed to the celebration of national identity. We are questioning if celebrating our national identity on January 26, a day which causes distress to many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island peoples, is the right thing to do.

While Australia has significant days during the year that recognise and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island culture, (such as National Sorry day and Reconciliation week) these days are not strictly days of celebration nor are they exclusive.

None of them are national holidays. These days are a recognition of the survival of Aboriginal culture within a framework of reflection, recognition and redressing the loss and dispossession of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island peoples.

These days are inclusive of all Australians as they aim to build partnerships and alliances between Indigenous Australians and non-indigenous Australians.

We’re asking our community to share their preferred option by going to www.share.strathbogie.vic.gov.au. For those who don’t have access to the internet we encourage you to phone our friendly Customer Service Team on 1800 065 993 to let them know your preferred option.

Feedback is open from May 23 to 9am on Monday, June 20, 2022.

Council officers will provide all feedback to Councillors in an engagement report (which will also be made public. This will help them in their decision making when the matter is before a Council Meeting on Tuesday, June 28, 2022.