Strong reaction to Kingborough Council decision to change date of Australia Day Awards ceremony

TEANGI Brown says he faces the awkward prospect of accepting an award on Australia Day, which could put members of his community off-side.

TEANGI Brown says he faces the awkward prospect of accepting an award on Australia Day, which could put members of his community off-side.

Mr Brown was named as a finalist in the Tasmanian Young Australian of the Year Awards for 2017 this week for his work educating people about Aboriginal culture and history.

Tasmanian Young Australian of the Year Awards finalist Teangi Brown.

“I’m an Aboriginal person before I’m anything else,” he said.

“I know for me to (accept an award) it would probably alienate some of my community members. Others will see the reasons why I’m doing it.”

Mr Brown praised the recent decision by Kingborough Council to shift its Australia Day Awards ceremony from January 26.

“It’s a good example, they did a good thing, and I understand that it’s a positive step. Anything is positive,” he said.

“I would love to celebrate Australia Day (on a different date). It’s the 26th that matters.”

Kingborough Council approved a change of date for its awards on Monday. The annual “A Day on the Beach” celebration and citizenship ceremony will continue to be held on Australia Day.

MORE: KINGBOROUGH COUNCIL CONSIDERS AUSTRALIA DAY AWARDS SHIFT

Flinders Island began holding a Furneaux Islands Festival over the Australia Day weekend in 2014 to celebrate life in the region through the history of music, rather than holding a traditional Australia Day event.

MORE: TAC APPLAUDS COUNCIL’S DATE SHIFT BID

Mayor Carol Cox said citizen awards were presented on show day each year, and citizenship ceremonies were held when required.

Western Australia’s Fremantle Council made national headlines earlier this year after voting to cancel its annual Australia Day fireworks display out of respect for indigenous Australians. Celebrations will instead be held on January 28-29.

Fremantle Mayor Brad Pettitt said the decision had received a mixed reaction.

Originally published as Strong reaction to Kingborough Council decision to change date of Australia Day Awards ceremony