First Nations organisations and advocates have denounced Geelong council’s decision to walk back changes to its stance on January 26.
Both of the region’s peak bodies, Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation (WTOAC) and Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative, released statements this week in response to councillor Eddy Kontelj’s successful motion at last week’s council meeting.
Both organisations expressed their sorrow and bewilderment at the council’s move to repeal the steps toward reconciliation it made regarding January 26 in May 2023.
Wadawurrung man and WTOAC board chair Greg Robinson said the decision was “incomprehensible”.
“We are devastated by council’s divisive decision that continues to compound the generational impacts of colonisation on First Nations peoples,” Mr Robinon said.
“This decision adds to the culminative impact of lifetimes of trauma and harm to the First People of this land through the colonisation of what is now known as Australia.”
“We ask council to reconsider this decision and koling wada ngitj – walk forward together – with us.”
Wathaurong’s statement described how the First Nations community was “deeply saddened and outraged” by the council’s decision.
“In May 2023 the council acknowledged the pain January 26 causes to First Nations Peoples and made a bold and progressive decision to stop officially referring to January 26 as Australia Day,” the statement read.
“This decision, followed extensive community engagement, was a significant step towards reconciliation and truth-telling. Many other councils followed this lead, and we hoped it marked a new beginning where our voices would be heard, and we could walk together.
“Instead, the council’s recent decision to reinstate January 26 celebrations as Australia Day has caused profound pain and disappointment within our community. The council can still choose to do the right thing. We urge the council to honour its previous commitments and engage in meaningful dialogue with our community.”
First Nations advocacy group Geelong One Fire spokesperson Vicky Grosser said the decision had create “a huge amount of distrust and hurt”.
“Council has basically stepped away from backing the First Nations community to have a voice, and the rest of us from being able to hear it,” she said.
“The mayor told his story about his family coming here because of war and distressing experiences. Why would you then pretend there isn’t the impact for First Nations people about the colonisation of their country?”
