January 26 no longer supported by Strathbogie Shire

By Bianca Hall

May 22, 2023

Although Australia Day will no longer be formally celebrated, awards celebrating individuals within the community will continue at a different date. Photo: Megan Fisher Photo by Megan Fisher

In recognition of First Nations people, Strahbogie Shire Council has endorsed the recommendation to no longer formally support Australia Day celebrations on January 26.

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The decision was made at a council meeting on Sunday, May 21.

The recommendation came after an October 2021 council meeting when Cr Sally Hayes-Burke put forward a recommendation for a report about council’s role in January 26 activities.

The report was reviewed in May 2022 at a council meeting and consultation began, including with Australia Day committees and First Nations representatives.

Mayor Laura Binks said Strathbogie was a council which promoted inclusion and acknowledged that the celebrations on January 26 caused great pain to First Nations people.

“There is a portion of our community whose experiences of January 26 are a reminder of the dispossession and ongoing effects and impacts of colonisation,” Cr Binks said.

“It is simply not okay to turn a blind eye to this pain and suffering.”

Council received a formal statement from Taungurung Land and Waters Council in January this year.

The statement articulated an agreed position from TLaWC to not participate in any activities associated with January 26.

Council has an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the TLaWC from October 2021 which commits to the consideration of local Taungurung issues as part of any review process for council programs and services.

“In line with council’s MoU with the TLaWC and its January 26 statement, it was recommended that council no longer formally support celebrations on January 26, from 2024,” Cr Binks said.

Officers have proposed moving the Australia Day Awards to National Volunteer Week by introducing a new shire-wide inclusive awards program to recognise the contribution of residents.

The Share Strathbogie Community Panel will consult with council and the broader community to determine the best way to celebrate volunteers.

“It is important to note this option does not exclude Australia Day committees from continuing to host and deliver township celebrations including award celebrations on January 26 or applying for funding directly to the National Australia Day Council,” Cr Binks said.

“We want to ensure our volunteers — the lifeblood of our communities — are celebrated in a way and at a time that’s inclusive for all our community.”