The City of Mitcham council in south Adelaide has sparked outrage by deciding to hold its main Australia Day event on January 23, three days before the official date of January 26.
The council’s website invites people to the event, but fails to provide a reason for the date change.
What’s Happening on January 23?
The event, which will take place at the Soldiers Memorial Gardens, promises to be a fun-filled evening with activities and entertainment for all ages.
The festivities will include food stalls, a free sausage sizzle, children’s Storytime, face painting, kids’ activities, a henna artist, and live music.
A citizenship ceremony and the Citizen of the Year awards presentation will also be held, recognizing City of Mitcham residents who make a difference in the community.
Why the Date Change?
However, not everyone is happy with the council’s decision to move the celebrations. One Mitcham local, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed their disappointment, saying, “I won’t be attending fake celebrations on the 23rd January.”
The council’s decision was made in July last year, with Mayor Dr Heather Holmes-Ross citing the need to avoid additional costs associated with holding the event on a public holiday and to avoid causing distress to First Nations Peoples.
A History of Controversy
This is not the first time the council has courted controversy over Australia Day. In 2021, Mitcham became the first Australian council to officially oppose January 26, with Mayor Dr Heather Holmes-Ross leading the campaign to change the date.
At the time, she wrote on social media, “This motion is about unifying all Australians… We just object to the date. At the moment, we celebrate Australia on 26 January, which is a date of sorrow for some.”
Reaction from the Community
Not everyone agrees with the council’s decision, with some labelling it a “feel-good” proposal that lacks substance.
Conservative activist group Advance Australia has also weighed in, accusing the mayor of being an activist “who hates Australia Day” and trying to destroy the national day.
The group’s spokesperson, Sandra Bourke, said, “The vast majority of Aussies are proud of Australia Day and want to celebrate it on January 26. That includes ratepayers in the City of Mitcham.”
What Do You Think?
Should the council be allowed to move the Australia Day celebrations, or should they stick to the traditional date? Let us know in the comments.