Big split remains on Burnett Australia Day celebrations
The results from North Burnett Regional Council’s Australia Day survey showed residents supported keeping events and celebrations on January 26.
Bundaberg
Don't miss out on the headlines from Bundaberg. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Changes to the way the Burnett celebrates Australia Day may be on the cards as surveys reveal local feelings about the date and the award ceremonies that take place.
Typically Australia Day is celebrated across six central locations in the Central and North Burnett, with community awards introduced in 2020.
With Covid-19 putting a halt on regular celebrations in recent years, a survey was sent to the community to gauge their feelings about the day.
The North Burnett Regional Council released the Australia Day Community Sentiment Survey for feedback between late August and mid September, with residents questioned on their feeling towards the ceremonies, the awards, the entertainment and the locations used.
A budget of $25,000 was allocated for the 2023 Australia Day ceremony and events.
The results showed that 80 per cent of responders did not attend the 2022 rescheduled Australia Day celebrations in Mount Perry, nor did 69 per cent watch the livestream.
Open ended feedback highlighted a strong feeling towards the date, with only 1.2 per cent of respondents expressing their concerns the date is not respectful of First Nations people.
Meanwhile 72 per cent of respondents agreed the date should not be changed, and celebrations should continue on January 26.
Wakka Wakka indigenous and corporation leader Una Appo said it was disheartening there was so little conversation over the First Nation’s peoples desire to change the date.
“For us it’s not Australia Day, it’s Invasion Day,” she said.
As a leader in a widespread indigenous community Miss Appo said she and her people want to work alongside the community to reach a better understanding.
“We would like to work in with government structures and come to agreements to have respect and mutual understanding,” she said.
One survey response suggested not only changing the date, but also the name of the awards.
Almost half of the respondents said they saw the day as a way to celebrate the local community.
There were sentiments expressed the awards could be narrowed down, and events should take place in the main cities across the Burnett for residents.
The respondents also felt the events should be more family friendly to encourage locals to stay in the region for the long weekend to celebrate.
‘Burn the kids alive’: Tradie unmasked as monster who ‘gets off’ on cruelty
A terrified Qld mum, controlled down to every drink of water, hid in a bush for days from her sadistic partner who masterfully disguised his brutality and murderous threats- until now.
‘Pure sunshine’: Community mourns loss of beloved cricket mum
Family, friends, cricket clubs across Wide Bay and the South Burnett Mayor herself have expressed their grief and huge sense of loss following the death of a ‘radiant’ and beloved wife, mum, volunteer and council worker.