Greater Shepparton City Council is extending the closing date for community consultation to gather feedback on how January 26 is marked in Greater Shepparton.
Many councils across the country have begun cutting back their involvement in Australia Day celebrations, following concerns about the effect on First Nations communities, many of whom regard the day as marking the colonisation of Australia.
Strathbogie Shire Council, which includes Nagambie and Euroa, this week announced it would no longer support any events held on January 26.
Community groups are still allowed to hold events across the shire on Australia Day.
In Shepparton, council has been undertaking public consultation around whether it should continue supporting events on Australia Day.
In October 2022, council voted to advocate for the Federal Government to change the date of the holiday, and continue community engagement to gauge public opinion on council’s role on January 26 going forward.
Council also resolved to conduct community engagement on the idea of having a day of community celebration that was not held on January 26, which was inclusive, reflected the full history of Australia and was culturally respectful.
The feedback received will be reviewed alongside the information gathered in 2022, and a proposal will be developed for the future of council’s role on January 26 in Greater Shepparton.
Public consultation was originally going to close at 5pm on Friday, May 26 but has since been extended to 5pm on Friday, June 2.
To share feedback, residents can visit the Shaping Greater Shepparton website, or collect a hard-copy survey from the council offices at 90 Welsford St, Shepparton.
For further information or assistance with completing the survey, phone council on 5832 9700.