Council votes on way forward for 26 January in 2025

Following extensive community consultation throughout 2022-2023, changes to the way Council acknowledged the 26 January were implemented for 2024.

At its April meeting, Council noted a report outlining the cost implications of reinstating the Greater Shepparton pre-2024 Australia Day program.

The motion carried at the meeting agreed to provide funding through the Community Celebrations Grants Program for communities to hold their own celebrations between 24 and 29 January.

At the meeting, Council also voted to establish a Shepparton Australia Day committee to deliver an Australia Day event on the 26 January, commencing from 2025. Council will provide administrative support to establish the Committee, and the Committee can apply for funding through the 2025 Community Celebration Grants Program to hold their celebrations between 24 and 29 January in line with other communities.

Council also agreed to retain several elements of previous decisions, including continuing to advocate to the Australian Government to change the date of Australia Day from 26 January to a more suitable date, and providing financial and in-kind support for the Survival Day Dawn Ceremony. Council will also continue to lower the Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander flags to half-mast on 26 January at all Council-owned facilities, and recognise in its communications that Australia Day, held on 26 January, remains Australia’s national day.

“We know that Australia Day has different meanings for people in Greater Shepparton. For some, the day holds a lot of hurt and is not a day for celebration. However for others, the day holds a special meaning and is one they choose to acknowledge,” Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali said.

“By Council reinstating funding for events held on 26 January, it gives community members the opportunity to celebrate Australia’s national day however they choose.”