Adelaide’s inner-city suburb of Unley has reversed its decision to change the date the Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony and Awards are held.
The council held the official events on January 25, opposed to January 26, this year without community consultation. It also decided not to throw a community event.
Councillor Rebekah Rogers moved a motion to allow residents have a say and also allocate $20,000 of the council’s budget towards next year’s celebrations.
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A public survey had 60.6 per cent of its 842 respondents vote to keep the events and celebrations on the nationally-recognised date.
Council met last night and upheld the community’s decision, voting 8-4 to have the Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony and Awards on January 26 next year.
“Our community has made their views clear,” Mayor Michael Hewitson said.
”Additionally, 72 per cent expressed their desire for a community event, with 80 per cent of those respondents preferring it be held on 26 January.”
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Hewitson acknowledged not everyone will agree with the outcome but said it reflects the majority sentiment of the community.
“The date of Australia Day celebrations continues to be a topic that stirs strong feelings in our community and across the nation,” he said.
“We recognise that this is a complex issue with a range of perspectives.”
The Australian Citizenship Ceremonies Code states councils must hold a Citizenship Ceremony on Australia Day, or within three days before or after, each year.
Typically, the council incorporates the Australia Day Awards into its Citizenship Ceremony.
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