Wednesday, 25 May 2022
The City of Greater Geelong will formally initiate
a conversation about 26 January, which is celebrated as Australia Day, to
understand, respect and acknowledge the experiences of First Nations people and
the wider community.
The Kilangitj Aboriginal Advisory Committee
provides advice to Council on First Nations matters and requested that Council
consider engaging with First Nations People and the broader community about 26
January.
Councillor Jim Mason, Chair of the Aboriginal
Affairs portfolio: said the engagement is a long time coming for Greater Geelong’s
First Nations community, which is the largest in Victoria.
“Let’s all embark upon a respectful, safe and
inclusive conversation over the next six months about January 26 and how
Australia Day is celebrated,” Cr Mason said.
“The truth can be difficult to hear, but through
listening to our First Nations People and broader community, and thinking
deeply together, I hope we can come to some meaningful conclusions that will
assist us in our Reconciliation journey.”
The Australian Government has gazetted 26 January
as national holiday since 1994, and the community engagement by the City of
Greater Geelong Council does not propose to change the date.
Recommendations from the engagement will be
presented back to Council and the community to guide the City’s future approach
to activities and commemorations held on 26 January.
City respectfully recognises the Wadawurrung people
as the traditional owners and first inhabitants of the Geelong
region.
The Kilangitj Aboriginal Advisory Committee
recommended engagement for at least six months to allow for mature and deliberative
discussions on this complex and emotive topic.
The conversation will begin with face-to-face and
online forums with First Nations People. Engagement with the broader community
is proposed to begin later this year and will include an online survey, the
opportunity to provide a written submission, feedback via social media and
interactive community forums.