Puffing Billy railway joins Australia Day snub, saying holiday a ‘painful reminder of colonisation’

Opposition Leader Brad Battin has said the Allan government could force Puffing Billy Railway to reverse its “offensive” decision to scrap Australia Day celebrations with one phone call.

Opposition Leader Brad Battin has called on the Allan government to force Puffing Billy to reverse its anti-Australia Day stance.

It comes after Puffing Billy Railway weighed into the Australia Day debate, revealing it won’t celebrate the national public holiday.

In a weekly notice, published on Friday, Puffing Billy chief executive officer Stefanie Straub said the organisation’s “commitment to reconciliation guides how we engage with significant moments in our national calendar”.

“As part of the ongoing work of our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Working Group, Puffing Billy Railway acknowledges that Australia Day holds a different meaning for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” she said in the note.

“For many, this date is a painful reminder of colonisation and its lasting impacts. With respect for the enduring history of First Nations Peoples, Puffing Billy Railway does not celebrate Australia Day.

Puffing Billy will not acknowledge Australia Day. Picture: Supplied

Ms Straub said the nation should spend Australia Day reflecting on “the values of inclusivity, understanding, and unity that are central to a multicultural Australia”.

“This day is an opportunity to learn, listen, and commit to building a future that embraces the rich diversity of our nation while honouring its First Peoples.”

A Victorian government spokesman said it’s a matter for Puffing Billy Railway, which he said was an independent organisation that operates under its Board.

“The Victorian Government supports Australia Day and we fund a range of free events for families,” he said.

“We know the day means different things to different people and that’s something we can all be respectful about.”

But on Friday afternoon, Mr Battin said it was “offensive” for the historic tourist attraction to refuse to commemorate the national day.

“Australia Day is a day to celebrate, be with family, and support local businesses and tourist hotspots,” he said.

“It is offensive that Labor’s hand-picked board at Puffing Billy want to scrap celebrations. “Let’s get our message right, we are one, we should celebrate who we are, and commit to building a better future.

“Jacinta Allan and Labor can reverse this decision with one phone call, I doubt they will have the courage to.”

A News Corp online survey of more than 21,000 people found at least 87 per cent support Australia Day remaining on January 26, with only 12 per cent backing calls to change the date and 1 per cent advocating no celebration.

Cardinia Shire Council mayor Jack Kowarzik said Australia Day meant “different things to different people in our community”.

“That includes the people of Puffing Billy and the many other organisations within our Shire,” he said.

“Cardinia Shire Council conducts a citizenship ceremony, supports local community events, and acknowledges our amazing volunteers through an awards night, which was last night.”