Every year, the Avenel community comes together to celebrate the achievements and contributions of its citizens and community groups on Australia Day, 26th January, the national public holiday. We hear from inspiring Australians, often local identities, who have set great examples for us all.

As a nation, Australia has much to be proud of and Australia Day celebrates everyone who has helped to build our successful democratic, thriving multicultural country.

January 26th is the anniversary of the British flag being raised at Sydney Cove in 1788, following the arrival of the First Fleet. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, January 26th is a sad day.

Avenel and our neighbouring towns are part of the traditional lands of the Taungurung people. The Taungurung Land & Waters Council, representing the Traditional Owners of this region, does not take part in activities associated with January 26th. If you would like to read the Taungurung Land & Waters Council’s full statement visit: https://taungurung.com.au/january-26/

Many people may not realise that Australia Day was not consistently celebrated as a national public holiday across all states and territories until 1994.

The Strathbogie Shire Council has resolved that it will no longer formally support celebrations on January 26, in recognition of First Nations People.

Council has proposed to move the “Australia Day Awards” to National Volunteer Week in May to recognise the outstanding community contribution of people within the Strathbogie Shire. Council will not provide funding to towns who wish hold events on January 26th. Australia Day Committees across Strathbogie have the opportunity to apply to the National Australia Day Council for funding to run events and awards on 26th January, but securing funding is not guaranteed.

The Avenel Australia Day Committee wants to gather community views about how we should recognise and celebrate the contributions of our community members in the future.

This survey is open until 18 September, 2023. The survey can be completed anonymously.

The Committee will present survey feedback and plans for 2024 to the community later in the year in an article in the Nagambie Community Voice newspaper and on the Avenel Active Facebook page.

The Committee recognises there are diverse views in our community about this issue. We welcome all contributions provided they are expressed with respect for others.