January 26th, 2026Australia Day – to celebrate or commiserate?
Hepburn Shire Council is not celebrating Australia Day, January 26.
In a media release, the council said the Dja Dja Wurrung and First Nations people were strong, resilient, and vibrant peoples.
“We acknowledge the profound disruption of Australia’s colonisation, and its continuing impact on First Nation Country and Culture.
“Hepburn Shire Council stands with DJAARA’s (Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation) decision to not celebrate Australia Day, therefore will not host events and celebrations on 26 January.
“Hepburn Shire Council is an inclusive council and understands individual community groups may wish to host their own events and celebrations of 26 January.”
The council has scaled back its events on and around January 26 in recent years and its citizenship ceremonies occur throughout the year with the annual Community Awards now taking place during National Volunteer Week in May.
Cr Brian Hood said he would be joining the Trentham community, as he has done for the past five years, and make an address.
“I have been invited to speak by the Trentham Lions Club, who each year do a wonderful job hosting a celebration event with entertainment, speakers, food and a flag-raising ceremony.
“What Australia Day means to each of us depends on who we are, where we come from, and how we came to be Australian. But it is a day to reflect, respect and celebrate.
“Australia Day is a day to reflect on, and pay respect to, the cultures, stories, histories and people from all walks of life who make up Australia. From the First Australians to convicts to free settlers and those whose families emigrated here in more recent times.
“Australians have much of which we can be proud – our democracy, our shared values, the strength, diversity and generosity of our people, arguably the world’s best example of multiculturism and of course our beautiful natural environment.
“Our individual identities and stories weave together into a modern, diverse nation of people. That in itself is worth celebrating.
So, on Australia Day there is much to celebrate…as well as to reflect and respect.”
A call-out on social media found varied responses to the council decision.
“While noble that they say they stand with DJAARA and are committed to ‘the Reconciliation journey.’ I note that other councils have more proactive events such as Woodend’s ‘Survival Day Reflection’ and Ballarat’s ‘Survival Day Dawn Ceremony’. Their and similar events are promoted by VACCA as respectful ways to acknowledge Survival Day. In the Hepburn Shire Council’s statement there is an absence of any proactive events or actions to support reconciliation or Survival Day or change the date initiatives. A cynic may say this is a convenient way of doing nothing and perhaps saving money.”
“As usual council’s approach is ham-fisted. No broader consultation. A bold, confronting, unnecessary statement that was bound to inflame. Perhaps symbolic of its don’t-really-care attitude generally.”
“I’m so glad that they’re not. And impressed that they made the decision even knowing they would cop some flack.”
“Discrimination at its best. Our council representatives should be ashamed of themselves.”
“Outstanding that FINALLY a whole council is taking a stand. Imagine having a BBQ and fireworks on 9/11 to celebrate the towers collapsing.”
“Very glad they aren’t. Why would we celebrate our wonderful nation on a day that holds so much grief for so many. Changing the date to a day we can all celebrate shouldn’t be asking too much.”
“Very supportive of council’s decision.”
“I guess this is the beginning of slashing expenses deemed unnecessary now that the perilous state of council funds is becoming clear. I’m expecting more and more cuts in future. This may see the rise of volunteer groups to retake roles within the community.”
“It’s a absolute disgrace. Erasing more history.”
“I’m one of those old unwoke bastards that recognises the past but loves this country and it pisses me off how all the goodie two shoes want to put people like me down to make themselves feel better. You are the typical noisy annoying minority once again according to what I’ve read/heard on the news. Your persistent lefty pissing and moaning doesn’t change a thing. It just divides us more. So I’ll be buying extra Aussie flags and flying them year round to make up for the slack jaws that call it invasion day. Every country in the world has been invaded at some point over the last several thousand years so get over it. The past is the past and we can’t change it but we can celebrate what we do have so all you flogs that hate AUSTRALIA DAY hate it can eat a big bag of em’ inc our useless council.”
“The council’s job should be to service the community who pay the rates that pay their wages. How is this decision doing any of that? I expect our council to be inclusive as they claim to be. Not divisive. That includes all of us who have contributed to making this country great, from all nationalities & cultures. A very poor politically driven decision. Shame on the council leaders for such an out of touch stance. You can’t attempt to rewrite history. You have simply turned the tables & ostracised most of your resident ratepayers. You are not governing Australia and you are not a political party – you should be serving us. Just when you think you’ve heard it all, you surprise & disappoint – again. Respect & embrace all of our cultures & all our versions of Australia.
“Finally council have made a fiscally responsible and morally correct decision. Where do people think council would get funds from to throw AustDay celebrations. Surely if people want to celebrate the day, they can throw open their doors and invite their friends over. Easy. We don’t always have to have big parades and fireworks. Look at council’s budget – it’s almost non-existent. I’m certainly happy they’ve taken this decision and congratulate them.”
“It’s poor. Australia Day is important to most people and should be adhered to.”
“It’s mainly about process: who decided what, when and why, and why wasn’t it a motion at a council meeting? Communication, basically lack of it, is the highest rated failure of our council. Also need to find out how much money was involved or was the council simply the conduit?”
“Those who wish to celebrate should be allowed to celebrate regardless of race or creed. That includes Australians.”
“I’m very happy to celebrate Australia Day BUT not that day. They are my values and that’s what I live by, but others will have their own opinions and values.”
“Once upon a time council decisions reflected the wishes of the majority of residents, on this, and a lot of occasions, this doesn’t happen in this shire, time for most of the senior administration and many of the councillors to go. Voters, keep this in mind.”
“I think council not paying for celebrations that day it is a good thing, Holding a celebration on the day white people first arrived in Australia is very divisive. People can still celebrate if they want to but they can pay for it themselves, we need to cut costs anyway (I can barely afford my rates). It has only been a nationwide public holiday with so much focus since 1994, although was named in 1935. Traditions change, if people really want a nationwide day of celebration, choosing another date is a nice idea.”
Words: Donna Kelly
