Surf Coast Shire Council will continue to side with the First Nations’ community and its allies as it maintains its position on January 26.
Residents filled council’s chambers during its September 23 meeting as councillors debated and agreed to reaffirm council’s position of not participating in Australia Day celebrations on January 26.
Jan Juc’s Jordie Campbell spoke to council during the meeting’s question and submission time and described himself as a “proud, resilient Aboriginal man fighting for the justices” for what his people have faced since January 26, 1788.
“The date that marks the invasion of our beautiful country, genocide of my peaceful people and the division of a nation,” he said.
“My people are resilient, a resilience that has been built from generations of repression and mistrust, a legacy I hope not to pass on to my children.
“I hope that my own children, nieces, and nephews will not have to carry this burden and won’t need to fight for acceptance in this country and for acknowledgement of the wrongdoings.
“Acknowledging our day of mourning and advocating for a change of date, a date that can be celebrated by all, will truly be a step in the direction of reconciliation and uniting all Australians.”
Councillor Liz Pattison said she wanted council to be “on the right side of history” while moving towards reconciliation.
“We feel and express a deep sorrow that these actions and attitudes have occurred, and we are determined to ensure they are not repeated,” she said.
“Our council acknowledges that past laws, government policies, actions and attitudes have caused great pain, grief and suffering for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
“Recommencing January 26 celebrations would be more harmful to First Nations people, and those seeking reconciliation, than the benefits that may be gained by others that would attend council events on that day.”
