AUSTRALIA DAY SPECIAL: Vote in our poll about the date, the Low Isles Rally lowdown, Douglas Shire Council Awards announcement

Friday, January 24

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The Low Isles look a lot like a map of Australia. Picture: WindSwell Adventures

As the debate rages across the country about whether the date of Australia Day should be changed, there is no argument about one of the reasons why January 26 was chosen for Port Douglas’s Low Isles Launch Rally.

As the photo illustrates perfectly, the Low Isles look a lot like a map of Australia itself!

The 50th running of the rally is on this Sunday, January 26, so dust off your boats, dress up, and join the party.

There are prizes for the race winner, best-dressed crew and best-decorated boat - keep your eyes peeled for plenty of pirates and mermaids! 

All boats get a free safety inspection if needed before leaving, and can nominate a preferred start time.

Contact Port Douglas Yacht Club for further details on 0484 817 241

 

 

Debate for the date: Should we change it?

Margie Nelson, who considers herself a fair dinkum Aussie, outside her decorated storefront. Picture: Byron Filmer

A topic that sparks debate every year around this time is whether Australia Day should remain on January 26 or be moved to a different date. 

Here is what people on the streets of Port Douglas had to say when asked if it should be changed, and why:

 

“As long as I have known it, the date has been the same. If we change this we might as well change Christmas.

“Australia Day is about Australians, we can consider everybody.”

-Margie Nelson, who decorates her storefront every year

 

“I do think it should be changed as I see why it can be insensitive. But on the other hand, I am incredibly conflicted since Australia Day has been celebrated for so long.”

-James Buckley, local business owner 

 

“We are 100 per cent for keeping the date the same. I don’t understand the point of view for

changing it.”

-Port Douglas visitors Steve Reilly, of Melbourne, and John Reilly, of Perth

 

“Why does it have to be associated with the negative parts of our history? It is about

celebrating our nation.” 

-Steve Reilly

 

“It happened and we have to accept it. We can’t change history but we can rectify it.”

-John Reilly

 

“We celebrate Australia Day on this day every year. So we don’t think it should be changed

at all, there is no need to.”

-Port Douglas visitors Graham and Maisie

 

Here come the awards

Keep an eye out later on today on Newsport Daily for the announcement of the Douglas Shire Council Australia Day Award winners.

The ceremony recognises residents in categories including Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year and Volunteer of the Year.

There are also arts, sports and environmental awards and a citizenship ceremony.

The awards "aim to recognise and honour those who have made significant impacts through their dedication and service to the Douglas Shire community".

The event will be held at the Port Douglas Community Hall, Mowbray Street, Port Douglas, from 5.30pm.

 

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