AT ITS April Council meeting, Greater Shepparton City Council reviewed its approach to Australia Day celebrations for January 26 in 2025 and beyond, considering feedback from the community and council members.
Following extensive community consultation throughout 2022-2023, Council resolved to lobby the Federal Government to change the date of Australia’s national holiday and that it would not fund celebrations taking place on January 26. By doing so, it hoped communities would choose to hold celebrations on alternate dates to access funding.
However, self-funded community events went ahead in Tatura and Murchison on January 26 this year, sparking debate around the changes and way we celebrate Australia Day.
Cr Anthony Brophy requested a review of the council’s previous decision at the first council meeting of the year, considering feedback from the community. At its recent April meeting, Council noted the report outlining cost implications of reinstating the Greater Shepparton pre-2024 Australia Day program.
The motion carried at the April meeting agreed to provide funding through the Community Celebrations Grants Program for communities to hold their own celebrations between January 24 and 29.
Council also voted to establish a Shepparton Australia Day committee to deliver an Australia Day event on the January 26, commencing from 2025. Council will provide administrative support to establish the Committee, and the Committee can apply for funding through the 2025 Community Celebration Grants Program to hold their celebrations between January 24 and 29 in line with other communities.
Council also agreed to retain several elements of previous decisions, including continuing to advocate to the Australian Government to change the date of Australia Day from January 26 to a more suitable date, and providing financial and in-kind support for the Survival Day Dawn Ceremony.
Council will also continue to lower the Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander flags to half-mast on January 26 at all Council-owned facilities, and recognise in its communications that Australia Day, held on January 26, remains Australia’s national day.
“We know that Australia Day has different meanings for people in Greater Shepparton. For some, the day holds a lot of hurt and is not a day for celebration. However, for others, the day holds a special meaning and is one they choose to acknowledge,” Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali said.
“By Council reinstating funding for events held on January 26, it gives community members the opportunity to celebrate Australia’s national day however they choose.”
