A Facebook group wanting to “save” Australia Day in Brimbank has been set up, despite council receiving no submissions to alter the current celebrations.
The page – Save Brimbank’s Australia Day – was set up on August 18, with the aim of “preserving January 26 as
Australia Day in Brimbank” and to “celebrate, acknowledge and honour Australia’s past and future achievements”.
It comes on the back of Darebin and Yarra councils axing citizenship ceremonies from their Australia Day festivities for 2018 amid increasing debate about changing the date of the national day.
Christian Martinu, who started the Facebook page, said calls to change Australia Day celebrations were not reflective of the overall community.
“We are a united and inclusive community – attempting to change dates is divisive,” Mr Martinu said.
“Proper consultation must include all residents and ratepayers, rather than running ongoing heated commentary on Facebook, where 95 per cent of
the Brimbank population aren’t involved.”
Brimbank council said it had received no submissions either in favour of changing Australia Day festivities or for retaining the current arrangements, but said it was aware of the debate in the community on changing the date.
