Following on from Yarra Council’s decision to scrap Australia Day citizenship ceremonies on January 26 and instead recognise the date as a day of reflection, Darebin Council will vote to do the same.
The City of Darebin – which encompasses Melbourne’s north side suburbs including Coburg, Northcote and Reservoir – will today decide whether to move their Australia Day citizenship ceremonies to January 25, while renaming their Australia Day Awards to the Darebin Community Awards.
“For some Australians January 26 is national day to celebrate, for others it represents a day of mourning and sorrow,” reads a motion posted on the council’s website. “Currently there is a growing national debate on the relevance and significance of Australia Day celebrations, specifically concerning the date January 26 which historically relates to the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788.
“Darebin has a strong tradition of affirming a proud history of respect and recognition of all of its citizens, particularly our First Nations people all year round.”
Yarra Council was stripped of its rights to conduct citizenship ceremonies after its move to stop referring to January 26 as Australia Day was subject to backlash from the Federal Government.
“They are seeking to take a day which unites Australia and turn it into one which divides it,” said Prime Minister Turnbull. “To change the date of Australia Day would be to turn our back on Australian values.”
While the council’s proposal is likely to receive a majority vote, it remains to be seen whether the same sanctions will be imposed on Darebin Council if they’re to go through with the proposition.
In the interim, Greens MP Adam Bandt has offered to conduct the citizenship ceremonies himself.
