January 26 a time to reflect and respect, Dja Dja Wurrung leader says

"We've got a lot of things to celebrate but we've still got a lot of things we've got to heal," Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation chief executive Rodney Carter said.

"So just be respectful of other people's views, particularly if they have origins in trauma."

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He noted the difference in the tone of events marking Australia Day in some parts of the region, compared with others.

Mr Carter said January 26 events in shires such as Mount Alexander and Hepburn had a greater acknowledgement of Aboriginal survival than Bendigo.

"I reckon we're getting there slowly," he said.

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He hoped conversations about changing the date of Australia Day would continue.

"For me, it's simple: If it's a day of invasion, we should not be celebrating that. I don't think it's healthy for anyone," Mr Carter said.

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