I acknowledge the Wemba Wemba and Perrepa Perrepa Peoples, their ancestors, elders and emerging leaders.
I will not be attending the Edward River Council ‘Australia Day’ ceremony of 2025.
For the last 236 years, January 26 has been a day of mourning. The start of the invasion of Australia for the indigenous custodians who are part of the many nations across the land. The beginning of enslavement for both Aboriginal peoples, and for the convicts, many of whom arrived on those ships as slaves of the crown, for the menial crime of stealing food to feed their family.
Australia Day’s placement on January 26 is a reminder of Australia’s traumatic and divisive colonial history, the ramifications of which persist into the current day.
I will still celebrate our nation, and the people who have built it.
I will congratulate and honour our local leaders, who are rightfully recognised for their contributions to our community. But I can't do so on a day that represents such deep sorrow for so many people.
There is so much to celebrate about Australia, something all Australians, myself included, will do. But like so many in our country, I will be doing so on a different day.
After all, a council of nine should represent its community.
I will represent those who don't agree with celebrating our day of national pride, on a day of sorrow.
I'm not condemning those who will, because there is so much to be proud of in this country that we are all a part of.
I know there will be some who question me for not celebrating our nation on January 26, but I ask them this; Is there anything more Australian, than speaking your mind? Than speaking with those who we have kept voiceless, oppressed, and ignored?
The failure of The Voice referendum doesn't mean we must stop.
It means we need to try harder for true reconciliation.
For if we truly want to be Australian, we must accept our history together, heal together, and move forward, together.
Isn't that what this country was meant to be?
The views expressed are my own, and not that of Edward River Council.
Yours etc.
Councillor Frank Schofield
Deniliquin
40°C