Council resolved to review its position on the matter during a meeting held last December, where it committed to engaging with the broader Strathbogie community, affected community groups and First Nations representatives.
Following the development of a detailed engagement approach, council is now proceeding with its next step: an opt-in community poll, and an independent randomised phone poll.
The opt-in poll will be conducted through Share Strathbogie, as well as hard-copy survey stations with reply-paid envelopes, while the randomised phone poll will be delivered by independent service provider Oracle.
The former will be open from Monday, September 1 to Tuesday, September 30, and the latter will be conducted throughout the month of September.
Strathbogie Shire Mayor Claire Ewart-Kennedy said the process was designed to give everyone an opportunity to share their views.
“This is an important conversation for our community, and we are committed to an inclusive and respectful process,” Cr Ewart-Kennedy said.
“We understand that Australia Day holds different meanings for different people, and we want to ensure all voices are heard as we consider council’s future role in supporting these events.”
As Australia Day is federally recognised as a public holiday, the local engagement will focus solely on matters within council’s control, such as funding, representation and support for community events.
Council has recently had presentations from the Taungurung Land and Waters Council and Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation, as well as from local Australia Day committees and groups.
A further council report will be tabled at the October council meeting, coupling both data sets and identifying council’s position moving forward.
“We encourage everyone to take part,” Cr Ewart-Kennedy said.
“This is an opportunity to help shape how council supports this day moving forward; guided by community sentiment, cultural sensitivity and transparency.”
For more information, visit share.strathbogie.vic.gov.au
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