One Fire speaks out on January 26 consultation

A LOCAL reconciliation group is urging Geelong residents to make their voices heard as the City of Greater Geelong’s consultation regarding Australia Day approaches its conclusion.

Geelong One Fire president Vicky Grosser said locals have a unique opportunity to have an input on how January 26 is recognised within the community.

“We’re seeing council take a staged and sensible approach to this matter,” Ms Grossman said.

“Essentially, we have an opportunity for all voices to be heard on this matter; and it is clearly in the best interests of the community for as many people as possible to share their thoughts and opinions.”

The City’s staged consultation opened on the back of the Surf Coast Shire’s Australia Day abandonment observed earlier this year, with the broader community’s opportunity to provide input opening at the start of October.

During stage one, the focus was on conversations with First Nations Peoples, with two community forums, extensive face-to-face meetings, and promotion of an online survey.

The second stage of the consultation to date has included a pop-up session at the Geelong Show on October 14, presentations to key groups, and public forums on Tuesday, October 25 and most recently Thursday, November 10 at Council’s new Wurrki Nyal headquarters.

One Fire secretary Matthia Dempsey explained the conversation is fundamental to the community and Council’s approach to the day currently celebrated as Australia Day.

“What January 26 looks like on this Djilang [Geelong] Country in future years will be determined by the conversations we hold today,” she said.

“We hear that people in this community want to see change and are often at a loss as to what to do on 26 January.

“This is an opportunity to shape and influence that change.”

City of Greater Geelong will continue taking feedback from First Nations People and the wider community until consultation closes at the end of the year.

To have your say on how the region recognises January 26, head to www.yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/26Jan/conversation-about-26-january-survey-stage-2