Representing our community

AT LAST week’s council meeting, I moved a notice of motion noting that the proclamation of the date for Australia Day is a Federal Government responsibility.

Australia Day is a national day proclaimed by Federal Government, and the decision on which date to observe it is not for local councils to make.

In May 2023, Council passed a motion for the City of Greater Geelong to cease referring to 26 January as Australia Day in all communications.

Since then, I have received significant feedback regarding that decision including letters, emails, phone calls, text messages, social media and face-to-face discussions.

The vast majority of people who have spoken or written to me wanted Council to prioritise core local government responsibilities, and expressed their disappointment that Geelong is currently represented by a Council that does not acknowledge or celebrate Australia Day on any date whatsoever. Many community members insist this is just not right.

As a councillor, it is my responsibility to act on behalf of my ward and broader community, and this is why I put forward the notice of motion.

The motion requests our Chief Executive Officer Ali Wastie prepare a report for our January meeting addressing the process for:

· Commencing referring to January 26 as ‘Australia Day’ in all communications;

· Confirming support for Federal Government’s proclaimed date for Australia Day and committing to commemorating the day, including citizenship ceremonies and other community events; and

· Discontinuing any advocacy to Federal Government for changing the date.

This notice of motion is not intended to be disrespectful to anyone, including our First Nations people, but I accept some will see it that way.

During our council meeting, I was privileged to listen to the range of views my fellow councillors have on Australia Day.

The debate was passionate and engaged but respectful, and reflected our role in representing our community, which also has a wide range of views on Australia Day.

We are fortunate in Geelong to be represented by two MPs who are part of Federal Government – Member for Corio and Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and Member for Corangamite Libby Coker. Federal Senator Sarah Henderson is also based in Geelong.

I encourage anyone who feels strongly about Australia Day – either for changing the date or keeping it on 26 January – to advocate through their local federal representatives.

The City of Greater Geelong works closely with our First Nations community on many great initiatives including education on Indigenous culture and history, celebrating NAIDOC and opportunities that we provide in art, supply and employment. Council has been very active in this space, and this notice of motion won’t change that.

However, as a council we have a responsibility to represent our community, who I believe have made their views clear on this matter.

Australia Day is when we should be reflecting on and proudly celebrating everything that is great and good about this country.

Meanwhile, as we enter the festive season, I am sincerely grateful to the community for its support and feedback on a range of issues.

This time of year can be challenging for some, so please check in on those who may be doing it tough. A phone call, a message or a small note can be all it takes to help someone experiencing difficult times.

I wish our entire community an enjoyable, relaxing and merry Christmas, and may your New Year be safe and filled with good health and happiness.

Please feel free to contact me as your Hamlyn Heights Ward councillor – phone 0455 532 006 or email [email protected]

Cr Eddy Kontelj

Hamlyn Heights Ward,

City of Greater Geelong