Council widens debate on January 26

THE City of Greater Geelong has committed to having “difficult” conversations about the future direction of January 26 as it initiates the first round of community consultations on the national day of commemoration.

The first step of the process will be to hear from First Nations People via two separate forums this month in Corio and Geelong which will be moderated by indigenous broadcaster Troy Benjamin from 3KND.

The sessions will be followed by broader engagement with the greater Geelong community that council will then collate and use to help guide its future approach to the national holiday.

“For some people in our community, the 26th of January is a day to celebrate, while for many First Nations People it represents a day of mourning, sorrow and survival,” Mayor Peter Murrihy said.

“We don’t want to shy away from difficult conversations. This is about listening, showing mutual respect, and gaining greater understanding.”

Council will continue to honour its requirement to hold citizenship ceremonies on the day and is not proposing to change the date of the national holiday, which are decisions made by the federal government.

Councillors unanimously agreed to the consultation process in June after receiving a formal request to do so from the Kilangitj Aboriginal Advisory Committee, the body that provides advice to council on First Nations matters.

Committee member Kaley Nicholson, a Barapa Barapa, Mutti Mutti, Yorta Yorta, Boonwurrung and Taungurung woman, said she was eager to have her voice heard.

“I’m excited to be part of the conversation and contribute my opinions to such an important issue,” she said.

“As a community we have the opportunity to share our thoughts, experiences and opinions; and it’s my hope that everyone across greater Geelong gets involved.”

A driving force behind the process, Committee Chair councillor Jim Mason has cautioned that “we have a long time to go on this journey; sometimes the truth is very difficult to hear.”

“We understand this can be a painful topic, so healing support will be available.”

Council has developed an online platform for community discussion that can be viewed at: www.yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/26Jan