“We think that Woolworths should support Australia Day.”
These were the words of Mark Bugge as he stood in front of a Cobram Woolworths, Australian flag in hand, on Thursday, January 19.
Mr Bugge was part of a small group protesting what they said was Woolworths’ lack of support of Australia and its refusal to sell Australia Day merchandise.
“We think it’s un-Australian. We don’t think they support local communities, and Australians in general,” Mr Bugge said.
However, a Woolworths spokesperson said a lack of demand drove the decision to not stock Australia Day items.
“There has been a gradual decline in demand for Australia Day merchandise from our stores over recent years,” the spokesperson said.
“At the same time, there’s been broader discussion about January 26 and what it means to different parts of the community.”
Mr Bugge said he disagrees with that stance and hopes communities will get behind the protest and celebrate Australia Day on January 26.
“We just want local community support to show us that they (the community) do support Australia,” he said.
The message resonated with several locals, who tooted their car horns in support.
Stewart Zimmermann, though not a local himself, supported the action.
“ The protest should be done, and it is completely wrong that Woolworths’ doesn’t sell Australia Day merchandise,” he said.
However, he did admit that while the protest might raise discussion about Woolworths’ decision, in the end, he doesn’t think it will change anything.
The Woolworths spokesperson also said that the company’s main focus was its primary goal of providing food for the table.
“With food at the heart of our grocery business, our focus is on offering customers food and produce for all occasions, including Australia Day,” the spokesperson said.
“We know many people like to use this day as a time to get together, and we offer a huge variety of products to help customers mark the day as they choose.”
As for Mr Bugge, he said he had his Australia Day plans arranged.
“We’ll be celebrating Australia Day by the river with some lamb on the barbecue and maybe a cold beer,” he said.