By Deanne Jeffers
JANUARY 26 celebrations for Australia’s national holiday are full steam ahead in Tatura, with the local committee led by Rod Schubert, pioneering its own event after Greater Shepparton City Council voted last year to no longer formally participate in activities held on the 26th from 2024, including funding events held on this date.
Mr Schubert said it was the first time in over 25 years that Greater Shepparton municipalities have forgone traditional Australia Day celebrations, which usually include barbecues, citizenship ceremonies, and community awards.
“It is so disappointing they have taken this stance. We always have in excess of 200 people attend our Australia Day celebrations, and we have heavily relied on Greater Shepparton City Council (GSSC) for funding, but not this year.”
This year, council-backed citizenship and awards ceremonies will be held January 25, and a Community Celebration Grants will replace The Australia Day Small Town Grants Program, to fund alternate celebrations held around January 26.
Greater Shepparton City Council resolved to lobby the Federal Government to change the date of Australia Day in 2022, and to continue community engagement to clarify the council’s role on January 26. Council consulted the community on the issue through a public survey in 2023, and results suggested strong support for changing how council acknowledged the date, particularly among younger residents, while there was also support shown for Australia Day to be still marked on January 26.
This culminated at the September council meeting, with eight of nine council members voting in support of ceasing celebrations on Australia Day, with Cr Fern Summer abstaining from voting due to the 2023 Voice referendum being weeks away and not wanting to influence local voters, but expressing “strong support,” for the motion.
“Our Committee has been in existence since 1975. We are proud of the Australia Day celebrations we have been instrumental in organising for nearly the last 50 years,” Mr Schubert said, reflecting on large attendances and praise, including from those who have travelled from Melbourne and afar.
“Regardless of the Council’s decision, we must hold our event on the actual Australia Day – January 26th. We did consider other options including changing the day of the celebration, however given the ‘mood’ of the residents of Tatura, the Australia Day Committee voted unanimously to hold the celebration on the 26th.”
It is the first time in many years that its funding application was unsuccessful, due to being held on the public holiday date, while Murchison’s Committee was successfully funded but the grant was returned to Council after it enquired about celebrating on the 26th with support from the local community.
Australia Day is considered sensitive by some as it marks the arrival of British settlers in 1788, which led to the displacement and mistreatment of many Indigenous Australians. While many celebrate it as a day of national identity, others may feel a sense of exclusion or discomfort due to the historical context and its impact on Indigenous communities.
Strathbogie Shire Council made the same decision to cease its involvement in activities in May 2023. Festivities will go ahead as usual in Campaspe, Moira and Benalla local government areas. Tennis Australia and Cricket Australia have also opted to forgo acknowledgement of Australia Day this year.
Tatura Australia Day Committee invites everyone to attend their event on January 26 at Victory Hall (81 Hogan St, Tatura), from 8.30am. Please see Community Connect notices on page 13 for more information, and Letters on page 18 for Rod’s letter. Let us know what your thoughts are by messaging us on social media or emailing editorial@sheppartonadviser.com.au
