Mitcham council votes against flying the Aboriginal flag at the Blackwood War Memorial, for now

Blackwood RSL veterans don’t want to permanently fly the Aboriginal flag at the local memorial – and Mitcham Council has agreed with them. But not without fiery debate.

Flags at the Blackwood Soldier’s Memorial, where the Australian Aboriginal flag is currently flown on some occasions. Picture: Supplied

Mitcham councillors have rejected a push from within their own ranks to permanently fly the Aboriginal flag at the Blackwood War Memorial.

Councillors on Tuesday night voted against a motion by Cr Darren Kruse to fly the Australian Aboriginal flag permanently following a heated debate between members and veterans.

The motion formed part of a request for a report to reconfigure the Blackwood memorial, which would include replacing the existing three flag poles with five new ones.

While members supported the request for more poles and a report to reconfigure the memorial, Cr Kruse’s requested to fly the Aboriginal flag permanently was rejected.

This is despite an almost two year campaign by the Blackwood Reconciliation Group to have indigenous soldiers permanently recognised at the site – not just on special occasions.

Cr Dave Munro, who requested Cr Kruse’s motion be struck off the agenda, said the flying of the flag was pushing the issue “a step too far”.

His comments followed two deputations by military veterans who appealed to council to not force political agendas on those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

“I would like an amicable result with Blackwood RSL and the community on the future direction (of the site),” Cr Munro said.

“I don’t want this to be a decision that some people in Blackwood aren’t happy with … it isn’t time sensitive … and there is no harm in getting this report (first) and to use the opportunity to talk to the RSL and go from there.”

Councillor Jane Bange said she felt “disturbed” by the proposal to permanently fly the flag which would only further “inflame” council’s declining relationship with Blackwood RSL.

“While I did not agree with their arguments today, I think we are really pushing it by trying to implement (the flag flying) when we’re still really considering the report.”

Hitting back at his fellow elected members, Cr Kruse question how raising the Aboriginal flag could be considered inflammatory.

Blackwood RSL members Bob Killoran, Tony Mogridge and Phil Cotton voiced their opposition to flying the Aboriginal flag permanently during Tuesday night’s Mitcham Council meeting. Pictured here with Sam Duluk MP. Picture: Lydia Kellner

“I also want an amicable outcome and yes, this will provide more time, but if this amendment is passed, on what basis is it passed?” he said.

“That we will upset 29 people? Because that’s how many people, on notice, turned up at the Blackwood RSL to vote at the Annual General Meeting against flying of the flag.”

Retired Army Major Tony Mogridge said military personnel all served under the same flags and as such should be represented as such.

“The Blackwood Soldier Memorial is not an appropriate site to espouse the reconciliation movement, irrespective of how important it should be to all Australians,” he said.

“I would suggest that an appropriate site for the flying of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags is the prominent area set aside as ornamentation reserve in the vicinity of the drinking fountain; this would provide a true and unique site for reflection on the heritage and contributions made by indigenous people.”

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