Council endorsed the recommendation at a council meeting held on Sunday, May 21.
The decision means council will not have a formal involvement in Australia Day activities from January 26, 2024, but does not bar community groups from having events on the day.
“We recognise this is a day that causes great pain to First Nations people,” Strathbogie Shire Mayor Laura Binks said.
“We are a council that supports inclusion and 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.
“It is simply not okay to turn a blind eye to this pain and suffering.”
Council officers had proposed moving the Australia Day Awards to National Volunteer Week, by introducing a shire-wide Strathbogie Rocks Annual Community Awards Program, recognising the outstanding community contribution of people within the shire.
“The council decision empowers officers to work with the Share Strathbogie Community Panel to determine the best way to celebrate volunteers, so our community can be assured any changes will be driven by local people,” Cr Binks said.
“We will report back when this work is finished.”
The recommendation also empowered officers to work with the Share Strathbogie Community Panel to determine the best way to celebrate volunteers in our community.
“It is important to note this option does not exclude Australia Day committees from continuing to host and deliver township celebrations,” 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.”
The recommendation came after an October 2021 council meeting when Cr Sally Hayes-Burke put forward a recommendation seeking a report from officers regarding council’s role in January 26 activities in recognition of First Nations people.
This report was considered at a council meeting on May 17, 2022, which authorised broader consultation on two options with the community and relevant stakeholders, including local Australia Day committees and First Nations representatives.
Council received a formal statement from Taungurung Land and Waters Council regarding January 26, Cr Binks said.
The statement was particularly powerful due to council’s existing memorandum of understanding with the TLaWC, which was signed on October 2021, Cr Binks said.
“The MoU reflects the need to commit to ensure the consideration of local Taungurung issues as part of any review process for council programs and services,” she said.
“In line with council’s MoU with the TLaWC and its January 26 statement, it was recommended that council no longer formally supports celebrations on January 26, from 2024.”
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