How Victorian councils are choosing to celebrate Australia Day

Councils across Victoria are choosing to participate in Australia Day differently. See what your council is doing.

At least six councils will refuse to participate in Australia Day celebrations on January 26.

While others host traditional celebrations, including citizenship ceremonies and barbecues, Darebin and Yarra City councils have formally announced they’re marking the day as one of mourning.

“[It] marks the beginning of the British invasion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander lands and oppression of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and is therefore not an appropriate date for celebration” a Darebin council spokesperson said.

The council will instead raise the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags at half-mast.

The City of Yarra will also not host any events on Thursday.

“We have a lot to celebrate in this country and we believe our national day should be a day that can be enjoyed by everyone, including our Aboriginal community,” a statement said.

A spokesperson said council supported the Change the Date campaign, which calls on the government to change the national celebration to a date that is inclusive of all Australians.

Other councils, such as the City of Ballarat, are taking a more nuanced approach.

It has been hosting a Survival Day Dawn Service for several years and will do so again on January 26, while continuing to host a family day picnic and citizenship ceremony later in the day.

Meanwhile, other councils across Victoria will continue to celebrate Australia Day with community events throughout the day.

Councils such as Mildura City Council, Mitchell Shire, and Campaspe Shire will continue to host community events, including live entertainment, breakfasts, and flag raising ceremonies.

The Greater Shepparton Council will be presenting outstanding community awards for locals and welcoming new citizens to Shepparton.

See the full list of what each council is doing below.