AUS DAY CONCERN
Date controversy hits shire
GROWING concern over the suitability of January 26 as a national day of celebration has left Colac Otway Shire without a host for its Australia Day event.
The council has been forced to go it alone in 2019, after not one Expression of Interest to assist with the event was received.
Development and community services general manager Gareth Smith said there was rising sensitivity around celebrating on January 26 and what it means to indigenous people.
“(Some groups) indicated that they would like to engage in a conversation with the Shire around a more progressive approach to celebrating the nation’s achievements and identity,” Mr Smith said.
A rotating schedule will see the council host the 2019 event on the Apollo Bay foreshore.
However it will do so without major input from former partner Apollo Bay Chamber of Commerce, which had organised previous Day in the Bay entertainment.
A Day in the Bay in 2017 featured the awards ceremony, live music from several bands, games, a BBQ and kids activities.
“The Chamber has confirmed that they are no longer delivering the Day in the Bay event due to a lack of volunteer resources and growing sensitivity around the 26th of January,” Mr Smith said.
The council will be inviting other groups and clubs to participate in the day. It has warned that without community support, there will be limited additional activities beyond the official ceremony and stage entertainment.
Just 10 years ago the council was overseeing events in two separate locations. It is now forced to alternate between its awards ceremony in its major centres in Colac and Apollo Bay, with no-one offering to partner for the event over the past two years.
Colac Otway Shire CEO Peter Brown said the council would work to encourage the Australia Day event to be shared through smaller towns in the region.
“Council manage the Australia Day Award presentation and citizenship ceremony. A great opportunity exists for community hosts to add to the day with a market, performances and fundraisers.”