First Nations groups denounce Geelong council move to acknowledge Australia Day

LOCAL First Nations groups have condemned the City of Greater Geelong’s decision to return to celebrating Australia Day on January 26, with one prominent organisation calling the move “devastating”.

The motion, which was put forward by Cr Eddy Kontelj and seconded by Cr Trent Sullivan on Tuesday last week, will overturn the city’s May 2023 decision to stop referring to January 26 as Australia Day.

Speaking outside the city’s Wurriki Nyal civic precinct last Wednesday, representatives from the new First Nations advocacy group Be Tru 2 Uluru criticised the move as “a complete backflip” on the “strong, vocal support” given by the council last year when it unanimously voted to alter how the city approached the date.

“Council had, prior to this action, been building a strong relationship with First Nation organisations and communities, a relationship that has a 30-year history and a relationship that accumulated in council being one of the first local government’s signatories to the Uluru Statement from the Heart,” the group said in a statement.

Former Geelong councillor and prominent Be Tru 2 Uluru member Sarah Hathway addressed protestors ahead of last Tuesday’s council meeting. Photo: ELLIE CLARINGBOLD

Members of Be Tru 2 Uluru were among the protestors to attend last week’s council meeting, rising to their feet and turning their back in opposition to Cr Kontelj while he put forward the motion.

Citing concerns about the council’s ability to “make informed decisions that are fair and inclusive for First Nation People and all communities”, the group promised to pursue the matter with the Minister for Local Government.

The Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation (WTOAC) said it was “devastated” by the Geelong council’s move, describing the decision as a “bewildering step backwards” that has “caused great hurt”.

“It is beyond belief that the council this week voted to recognise and celebrate Australia Day with events and citizenship ceremonies, with no consultation prior to the vote,” the organisation said in a statement.

Cr Kontelj put forward the motion last week, which was supported seven votes to four, stating the move was not intended to be disrespectful and his own support last year for the city to cease acknowledging Australia Day was ill-informed. Photo: SUPPLIED

WTOAC board chair Greg Robinson said the “divisive” decision would continue to compound the generational impacts of colonisation on First Nations Peoples.

“It is incomprehensible to, after taking a step forward in 2023, to then take 10 steps back.

“This decision adds to the culminative impact of lifetimes of trauma and harm to the First People of this land through the colonisation of what is now known as Australia.

“We ask council to reconsider this decision and koling wada ngitj – walk forward together – with us.”

Victorian Senator Sarah Henderson urged all councils to follow Geelong’s move. Photo: MICK TSIKAS/AAP IMAGE

Meanwhile, Victorian Liberal Senator Sarah Henderson has urged all councils to follow Geelong’s lead, and praised the Geelong council for its decision.

“Following a sham consultation, Greater Geelong’s decision in May 2023 to abandon local celebrations and not even acknowledge Australia Day was a disgrace,” she said.

“I am delighted that a new council has been elected which is prepared to get back to basics and put the community first.

“Australia Day is a time to unite and celebrate our shared values and achievements, not divide.”