Following extensive community consultation with residents, event organisers and First Nations representatives, council, at its meeting on October 21, voted to support community-led Australia Day events through existing grant programs, with councillors able to attend events upon invitation.
“Australia Day means different things to different people,” Strathbogie Shire Mayor Claire Ewart Kennedy said.
“This decision shows our commitment to listening, learning, and acting in the best interests of people within our shire.
“We've heard clearly that people value connection and celebration but also want us to acknowledge the deeper meaning of the day.”
The comprehensive engagement process gathered input from about 800 residents through various channels.
This included 456 responses to an opt-in community survey, available online via council’s Share Strathbogie platform, and in hard copy format, plus 346 residents participating in a randomised phone poll conducted by an independent third party.
Council also held direct consultations with community groups and the Taungurung Land and Waters Council to ensure First Nations perspectives were incorporated into the decision-making process.
Event organisers can now access funding through the Community Grant Funding Program, which includes Event Grants and Quick Response Grants.
Council says it will maintain its commitment to strengthening relationships with First Nations partners.
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