The City of Greater Geelong is weighing up major changes to the way it marks January 26.
Councillors will vote tonight on a series of recommendations to radically alter the city’s historic approach to the national day, including a proposal to cease calling it ‘Australia Day.’
Further recommendations include holding an “Acknowledgement, Recognition and Truth-Telling Ceremony” on the day and shifting citizenship ceremonies to alternative dates.
If adopted the overhaul could see the city expand its push to reshape commemorations of the day and “lead the conversation with other councils, and advocate on behalf of the community to the Federal Government regarding a conversation about change the date or change the day.”
The Surf Coast Shire Council has already ditched its traditional Australia Day activities and now flies Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island flags at half-mast on January 26.
Earlier this year thousands attended the Shire’s inaugural Pilk Purriyn truth-telling event in Torquay presented by members of the region’s First Nations People.
Geelong council announced in June 2022 that it was embarking on a six-month conversation with First Nations people and the broader community on how to acknowledge January 26.
The city says 68 per cent of the almost 1,000 people who responded to its survey on the issue supported change, while 32 per cent were opposed.
Image: City of Greater Geelong