This year’s Australia Day proceedings could be the last of their kind in Greater Shepparton, depending on a future decision by council on how to mark January 26 from 2024.
Greater Shepparton City Council last year advocated for the date of Australia Day to be changed, and resolved to undertake community consultation this year before deciding what January 26 would look like in the future.
Council director of community Louise Mitchell said there were limited changes to Australia Day this year.
“As per the council resolution there will be a few changes — we’ll be lowering the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags to half-mast, and we have made recognition of our support for the dawn service held at Kaieltheban Park,” she said.
Ms Mitchell said it was too early to talk about what Australia Day might include in 2024 in Greater Shepparton, with further community engagement to be completed.
“We’ve had the outcome that council advocated to the Australian Government to change the date, but in terms of specific arrangements on the ground, that will be the subject of engagement through 2023,” she said.
“I acknowledge that it’s a sensitive topic and people have very different views about the date in particular of Australia Day.
“It is something we will be careful to manage as well as we can, to make sure everyone is safe and supported in that discussion, acknowledging that can be difficult.”
The council also advocated to the government for the requirement for citizenship ceremonies to be held on January 26 to be dropped and in December changes to the requirement were announced, with councils able to hold the ceremonies between January 23 and January 29 from 2023.
Council welcomed the news but will still hold citizenship ceremonies as usual on Australia Day this year.
This year’s Australia Day events in towns across Greater Shepparton will include guest speakers, entertainment, refreshments, flag-raising ceremonies and the presentation of 2023 Australia Day awards.
Mayor Shane Sali encouraged all residents to consider what it meant to be Australian.
“Australia Day is an opportunity to reflect on what it means to be Australian, to acknowledge our history and diversity,” he said.
“The day provides an opportunity for us to acknowledge, learn and understand our country’s past and reflect on the history, traditions and culture of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.”