By Cr Jim Mason
January 26 means different things to different people.
But for many of our First Nations people, it a day to grieve the loss of culture, the loss of Country (spiritual and physical), and the loss of family networks.
These feelings of isolation and disconnection have been brought into sharp focus in recent years.
Following a detailed six-month consultation process to better understand how Council could support our First Nations community, Council last month voted to formally change how the City marked January 26.
The public consultation had sought all community members’ views on the way forward.
The number of responses received was significant and reflected a broad desire to see our First Nations People better represented and acknowledged.
There was widespread support for greater inclusion of First Nations culture and history into the way 26 January is commemorated in Greater Geelong.
At our recent meeting, council voted unanimously to provide this support, enabling culturally safe conversations and learnings.
We are working to improve this day for Geelong’s First Nations People, so they no longer feel marginalised, sad, or ignored.
As part of this, we will not be hosting citizenship ceremonies on January 26.
Instead, January citizenship ceremonies will take place within the three days of January 26, which is in line with recent changes to federal government requirements.
Contrary to some reports, we are not seeking to limit public activities on January 26.
Large-scale community events will continue to be held.
However, we do want to improve how we commemorate January 26 to include all Australians – especially our First Nations People.
We want to work with organisers of these public events, to recognise First Nations Peoples and include First Nations cultural activities.
By reframing January 26 as a day of reflection, education, and healing, we take a tangible step towards reconciliation.
It shows our commitment to a shared future where all Australians can feel valued and respected.
Through education and truth-telling, we can foster a greater understanding of historical events and promote a more inclusive and united Australia.
We also voted to acknowledge and respect the traumatic historical impact the January 26 has on Wadawurrung Traditional Owners and First Nations Peoples of the Geelong Region.
Leading up to this vote, the City consulted widely and community engagement occurred over six months from May to December 2022.
During the engagement, Council received 952 survey responses, of which 447 were from First Nations People (equivalent to 12.5 per cent of the local First Nations community).
All responses (100 per cent) from First Nations Peoples expressed a wish for a change in how the day is commemorated.
Importantly, across the broader community, a vast majority (almost 70 per cent) of survey respondents said change was needed, with 32 per cent opposing change.
The consultation was supported by advice received from the Kilangitj Aboriginal Advisory Committee – a First Nation advisory committee which has been instrumental in providing Council with strong cultural guidance on First Nations initiatives.
Having previously held the Aboriginal Affairs portfolio for two years, I am proud of the work council has completed on this critical issue.
Through education and truth-telling, we can foster a greater understanding of historical events and promote a more inclusive and united Australia.
For a full description of Council’s decision, please see yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/26Jan
Finally, if there are any Council related matters you need assistance with, please get in touch with the City via email contactus@geelongcity.vic.gov.au or phone 03 5272 5272.
