National Holiday: While the ‘change the date’ movement is gaining traction, locally the Seymour community is keen to keep celebration on January 26.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
With a growing number of local government areas across the country choosing not to take part in Australia Day celebration on January 26, the Telegraph asked the community its opinion on the ‘change the date’ movement.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
The question of whether the date should be changed was posed to the Telegraph’s social media users.
It is worth noting that this does not cover the opinions of all local people, and the post also had some responses from people not from the area.
Polarising: Most responders to a post on the Seymour Telegraph’s Facebook page said they would prefer to keep Australia Day on January 26.
Photo by
Contributed
However, the online community’s answer was a resounding no.
The post was online for 24 hours and elicited a comment from 58 people (this does not include replies).
Of those comments, 55 wanted no change, two wanted the date to change, and one did not say either way.
As of December 2023, around 80 local government areas across the nation had decided not to take part in Australia Day activities.
Around 15 of those are in Victoria.
Mitchell Shire is one that will continue to celebrate Australia Day on January 26, with no plans to change at this time.
Some of the Seymour Telegraph Facebook responses to the question should the date of Australia Day be changed.
Shirley Tuckett Owen
No, and it's my birthday, and I love celebrating it on Aussie day.
Jenni Paynter
No definitely not, doesn’t matter what date you pick, it will always be the same. Can’t please everyone so leave it alone.
Di Ribaux
No, leave it alone no change thank you.
Angela Maxwell
Something’s just shouldn’t changed and this is one of them. Let it be.
Josephine DeBono Bell
Definitely no.
Nonie Jane
Yes... and it's only a matter of time.
Jenni Hempel
As far as I am concerned January 26is saying everything Aussie and includes everyone who wants to be as one.
