Alice Springs Town Council locks in 2025 Australia Day celebrations
One Territory council has locked in its Australia Day celebrations for 2025 – but they’re set to look a touch different. Find out why
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Alice Springs Town Council has voted to move its Australia Day celebrations inside – but not all councillors were happy with the new look celebration.
At the October 29 ordinary meeting, the council voted to hold the 2025 Australia Day celebrations, which includes a citizenship ceremony for 120 people, at the Alice Springs Convention Centre, as opposed to the council lawns.
The Australia Day fun run is set to make a return on January 26, while there will also be laser tag and other events – such as the crowning of the citizen of the year and more.
Heat mitigation was one of the biggest factors in the location move, the officers’ report said, but not all councillors supported the proposal.
Councillor Marli Banks said she was “concerned” about the relocation of the citizenship ceremony and how the new plan affected council’s “traditions and civic values”.
“Moving the ceremony to the convention centre raises questions about our civic responsibilities, especially since we’ve not sufficiently consulted with our community about this change,” she said.
She also said the “new venues association with liquor and gambling may not resonate with community members”.
But her statement put her at odds with Mayor Matt Paterson, who said “he fully supports moving it (Australia Day celebrations) from the lawns”.
“One of the biggest complaints I get every year is the heat, and also the limitations of people who can attend because it does go on for a few hours,” he said.
“I appreciate being mentioned about gambling or alcohol; I mean we’re also very close to two liquor outlets here, so I think we certainly need to acknowledge that if we’re going to have a comment on alcohol.
“It’s (the event) also early in the morning, where these (outlets) aren’t open.”
Council adopted the officers’ recommendation in a six to two vote.
Mr Paterson voted in favour along with deputy mayor Mark Coffey and councillors Alison Bitar, Michael Liddle, Eli Melky, and Gavin Morris.
Councillors Kim Hopper and Ms Banks opposed.
With the decision adopted, council is set to release more information about the day at a later date.
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