A CITY of Greater Bendigo councillor believes a political party’s campaign to change the date of Australia Day could help shape discussions on the council’s reconciliation action plan.
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But Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters described the Greens’ Australia Day campaign as “tokenistic” and unlikely to be a priority for the local Indigenous community.
Greens-endorsed councillor Jennifer Alden supported changing the date but noted hers was only one voice on council.
“So it’s not possible to move quickly on this,” she said.
The Greens planned to make local councils the front line in their campaign, which including support for councillors who wanted to lead changes in their areas.
Cr Alden was looking forward to seeing how the council’s reconciliation action plan evolved, saying it could be a chance for discussions with the local Indigenous community “both on this and other issues”.
“We might see another approach in the future, if that is what the community wants,” she said.
Cr Alden noted that it had only been in recent decades that all states and territories had synchronised their celebrations to the same day.
Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters said there were more pressing issues facing Indigenous Australians.
“We instead need to be talking about life expectancy of Indigenous Australians and closing the gap. At the moment, there are more Indigenous people in prison than in universities in Australia,” she said.
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“I have discussed this matter with Dja Dja Wurrung leaders and I take my leave from them. My experience of talking to Dja Dja Wurrung is that Australia Day has become a day for all Australians.
“I roll my eyes at the Greens – we have a prime minister who has shut down debate around constitutional recognition and Indigenous life expectancy, so I think it’s cynical of the Greens to raise this issue at this time.”
Ms Chesters said it would be more appropriate to revisit the date issue if Australia becomes a republic.
Last year, Cr Alden was among councillors who used addresses to Australia Day acknowledge January 26’s symbolic meanings and acknowledge broader conversations around changing the date.
“While Australia Day provides a chance for all Australians to come together and celebrate what it means to be Australian, it’s important to acknowledge that some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have mixed feelings about the day,” she said at the time.
“For some it means invasion, for others survival and for others it is a celebration of Australian identity.”
Australia Day debate on multiple fronts
A Dja Dja Wurrung community leader says the topic of Australia Day is always likely to be a divisive issue, including among Indigenous Australians.
Through its Nalderun group, the Dja Dja Wurrung community has become heavily involved in Australia Day celebrations with Mount Alexander Shire Council in recent years, planning a ‘Survival Day’ component.
Uncle Rick Nelson said it was an opportunity for everyone to come together to work towards reconciliation.
“So our way of thinking in Castlemaine is that we are strong on reconciliation and we should celebrate in the community as a whole, with everyone,” he said.
While many elders across the country believed Australia Day was a cause for mourning among Indigenous Australians, Uncle Rick said changing the date was unlikely to end the debate about the day.
“That’s my opinion, I’m sure there are others who might not agree with my thoughts,” he said.
Mount Alexander Shire will display a map of Indigenous nations of Australia and descriptions of traditional owners and where they hail from.
Indigenous artwork will also be displayed.
Traditional welcomes are expected to open the 13 events across the City of Greater Bendigo.
In a statement on behalf of the council, Cr Alden said the day was an opportunity to reflect on the “safe, inclusive” nature of Bendigo.
She also made reference to the varying opinions on the January 26 date.
“It is also important to remember that some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other members of our community do not see Australia Day as a day of celebration, and it is important we are respectful of this,” Cr Alden said.