Australia Day changes in Douglas Shire are "not political"
Australia Day Celebrations
Douglas Shire Council Mayor Lisa Scomazzon has defended the change of date for the Australia Day Awards Ceremony, saying it is not political but about giving people in the Shire choice in how they mark our national day of celebration.
“The change to Council’s awards ceremony is about providing our community with choice,’’ Mayor Scomazzon said.
“It gives people an opportunity to celebrate the nominees’ contribution to our community as well as enjoying a full long weekend with their family and friends.’’
Douglas Shire Council’s media release detailing the plans for the Australia Day Ceremony to be held from 5pm on Friday, January 24, at the Port Douglas Community Hall, triggered more than 100 comments on Newsport’s Facebook page, dozens outraged by the move.
“The change is not a political statement about Australia Day and the move to bring forward the event by two days, made by elected members last month, was a decision made for 2025 only.’’
She added there are many ways in which the Douglas Shire can celebrate Australia Day with others.
“The Mossman Pool’s Australia Day event is an opportunity for people of all ages to get together and enjoy a swim and sausage sizzle while the Low Isles Launch Rally is a wonderful spectacle and way to mark the day as well,’’ she said.
“Council is pleased that so many people feel passionate about our awards ceremony and Australia Day and would love to see a huge turn out on Friday, January 24. All the nominees have made amazing contributions to our community and they deserve our support.”
Comments to the story announcing the details came from all sides of the debate:
Catherine Douglas wrote: “Shame on you DSC!!!! The 26th January IS Australia Day. Not the Friday before or the Tuesday after.’’
Tahlia Elish said: “Although it may not be for you personally, January 26 is also considered invasion day. It's also considered survival day. Rather than commenting negativity about how wrong you believe the date change is because you only see the day as Australia Day...Why not take a moment to consider another perspective and reflect upon what this day means for others and the broader collective of our community? There are people who instead grieve and mourn the historical, political and social traumas for which the 26th signifies. Some sensitivities in your comments may go a long way.’’
Therese Maloney added: “Thank you for changing the date of the ceremony and awards presentation. I have attended many of these events and I feel disappointed that many of the community/nominees/winners are not in attendance for a variety of reasons such as it’s a culturally sensitive date for some people and others don’t attend ‘cause can’t afford to staff with public holiday penalty rates if they own their own business and some just don’t ‘cause it’s a public holiday and they are making the most of the day off… in this case long weekend. Looking forward to celebrating some of our amazing community members and enjoying the long weekend…. Win! Win!”
And Gavin Ryan lamented: “Oh my God. Do you people not read an article before commenting? The AWARDS are being held on the Friday. It has nothing to do with Australia Day itself. Why would you turn this in to a divisional debate. shame shame shame.’’
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