This decision represents a significant and disheartening regression from the progress made to acknowledge the profound pain and historical trauma associated with this day.
Councillor Fern Summer brought the motion to the December council meeting.
Her claim during the meeting, that this decision allowed everyone to come together, was misguided and dismissive.
The motion passed with eight votes in favour and one against.
It is worth noting that seven other councillors supported Cr Summer’s motion.
However, only one councillor, Sam Spinks, voted against it.
We acknowledge her courage and strong sense of social justice in standing with those who are deeply affected by this decision.
Cr Summer, during the meeting, gave a history lesson on the injustices faced by First Nations people, emphasising healing and taking positive steps toward unity.
Does she believe that bringing a motion to reinstate Australia Day celebrations on January 26 — a date of pain for many — and voting in its favour aligns with the goal of healing?
Does the council’s vision of unity mean asking the wounded to conform to the wishes of the majority non-Indigenous population?
Is this truly a positive step towards healing for those who have suffered?
For many, including First Nations peoples and their supporters, January 26 marks the beginning of genocide, dispossession and enduring colonial violence.
How can a day symbolising such devastation and loss serve as a unifying event?
Commemorating January 26 is like celebrating a family’s most painful tragedy — a day marked by injustice and cruelty that continues to cause harm and perpetuate deep wounds.
This decision blatantly contradicts the council’s own Reconciliation Action Plan, which aims to respect, acknowledge and celebrate First Nations cultures and people.
Further undermining its purported commitment to reconciliation and inclusivity.
Yorta Yorta country covers a land mass of approximately 20,000 sq km (Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation) and includes the land that now comprises Shepparton.
To truly move towards healing, the council must listen to the Yorta Yorta community and many First Nations voices.
This action jeopardises the relationships that the council has built with First Nations people and People of Colour, revealing an alarming level of tokenism and hypocrisy.
Shepparton often prides itself on being a multicultural town, yet this decision exposes a shallow celebration of diversity — one that profits from cultural richness while failing to stand in solidarity with those most harmed by colonial legacies.
As Invasion Day approaches, the community will not remain silent.
We demand accountability from our elected representatives and a genuine commitment to justice, healing and respect for all.
A good start would be reversing the decision to celebrate Australia Day on January 26, known as Invasion Day by many First Nations people.
Khadija Fatima and Dr Zubaidah Mohamed Shaburdin
The Door Bells-Migrant Women’s Network, Shepparton Region
