Adelaide Hills Council reverses Australia Day decision

Adelaide Hills Council has reversed its 2023 decision to not conduct citizenship ceremonies, confer awards or support events on Australia Day.

Councillors this week voted 10 to one to see citizenship and civic awards ceremonies reinstated to 26 January from 2027.

The council will also voted to establish a new community event grant program, which will provide up to $7,500 each year for local community and not-for-profit Australia Day events.

Addressing the reversal, Mayor, Nathan Daniell – who supported Council’s earlier decision to bring a halt to Australia Day activities on 26 January – recognised the “deeply held and differing views” across the local community.

“Leadership also requires us to reflect on the decisions we make, to learn from their implementation, and to be prepared to adjust our approach as we learn from experience and hear from our community,” he said.

“There are many people in our community for whom 26 January is an important day of celebration, citizenship and connection. Equally, for many First Nations people it is a day associated with loss, dispossession and reflection. These varying perspectives are real and recognising one should not require us to dismiss the other.”

He said Council’s latest decision preserves choice. Councillors have agreed to undertake respectful and culturally appropriate engagement with First Nations peoples, relevant cultural authorities and stakeholders, and the community about future 26 January celebrations.

“Those who would prefer to receive their citizenship or civic award on another day will continue to have that opportunity. This is an important part of ensuring our approach remains inclusive and respectful of those differing perspectives,” the Mayor said.

“We now have the opportunity to work more closely with our community about how events are held, while also committing Council to respectful and culturally appropriate engagement with First Nations people. 

“It is important we take this opportunity to be driven not by political positioning, but rather by respect, inclusion and a genuine desire to bring our community together.”

The recent motion empowers the Council to provide a Community Grant program to support community events on or around the 26 January. The Council also confirmed it will hold its Citizenship and Civic Awards Ceremony on 26 January.