February 9th, 2026Your Say…

Australia Day

Why is anyone looking to the Hepburn Shire Council to celebrate any holiday or commemorative day? Shouldn’t that be up to individuals?
In my opinion it is a ridiculous and outdated sentiment to look to the council for how to celebrate holidays. The council should be neutral on matters of celebration and holiday.
I understand some individuals want ‘the government’ to agree with their opinions … but that’s not what the council should be there to do. I’d rather the council not celebrate any holiday or commemorative day. I’d like if and how I mark the day to be up to me as a free-thinking individual.
I’d like the council to maintain parks for public (everyone) use. Fix roads for public use.
My thoughts and commemorations are not for public comment and therefore have nothing to do with the council. People need to be responsible for their own minds. Not look to a local government to mirror whatever it is they believe.
– Denver resident

I’m reading the January 26 edition (of The Local) and the comments included in your opening article.
It’s interesting to note how people are kind, gracious and considerate in their wording as they try to navigate the exclusionary date for the Indigenous population. Which is in direct contrast to the inflammatory, angry and defensive wording for daring to disrespect the 233 year ‘history’ of colonisation – blithely ignoring and riding roughshod over 65,000 years of history.
An oral tradition of history is far more accurate than a written history; because it is not edited, censored or altered into doublespeak to inflame and incite others when convenient.
– Name and address supplied