Anthem then acknowledgment: Advance Australia Fair gets top billing at Cairns Regional Council meetings

A burst of nationalistic fervour is starting Cairns Regional Council’s ordinary meetings, with live performances of the Australian anthem now preceding an acknowledgement of country as the opener to the fortnightly gatherings.

Cairns Regional Council mayor Amy Eden and chief executive Ken Gouldthorp sing the national anthem prior to an ordinary meeting in January. Picture: Brendan Radke

A burst of nationalistic fervour is starting Cairns Regional Council’s ordinary meetings, with live performances of the Australian anthem now preceding an acknowledgement of country as the opener to the fortnightly gatherings.

The soaring melody of Advance Australia Fair, complete with the second verse, started the councillors’ meeting without explanation last week for the third time this year.

Mayor Amy Eden then provided the customary acknowledgment of traditional custodians before councillors deliberated agenda items.

When contacted earlier this week, several councillors said they were unaware as to why the change had occurred.

But a council spokesman later confirmed that the anthem would be a fixture of future meetings.

“The performance of the national anthem is an initiative of mayor Amy Eden to increase community engagement and awareness in council meetings, to instil civic pride, and also provide a platform for budding singers,” the spokesman said.

“There is no cost to (the) council – these performances are voluntary and designed for community members, school students and multicultural groups.

“Anyone who is interested in performing the national anthem at a future council meeting, is encouraged to contact the mayor’s office.”

Cairns Regional Council is still seeking update its Reconciliation Action Plan. Picture: Brendan Radke

Meanwhile, the council’s long overdue Reconciliation Action Plan has yet to be endorsed with councillors voting to scrap its First Peoples Advisory Committee in July.

In its place, the First Peoples Advisory Consultants, a 10-member group which meets twice-a-year, was established with the group holding its first meeting in December.

“The RAP is currently being considered by Reconciliation Australia,” the council spokesman said.

Ms Eden, who campaigned on delivering greater transparency within the council, said rising for the anthem prior to every meeting was a point of pride for the city.

“I’m proud to be Australian and I’m proud of our anthem,” she said.

Mackay Regional Council and Townsville City Council start their meetings by recognising the region’s traditional owners.

It is understood that the council had also considered adopting a prayer prior to its meetings.

Originally published as Anthem then acknowledgment: Advance Australia Fair gets top billing at Cairns Regional Council meetings