By Afraa Kori
Puffing Billy’s decision to cancel Australia Day celebrations has sparked a heated debate in Cardinia Shire.
Puffing Billy chief executive officer Stefanie Straub said the organisation’s “commitment to reconciliation guides how we engage with significant moments in our national calendar“.
Local MPs, councilors and residents raised questions about community tradition, identity and reconciliation.
Opposition leader Brad Battin said Puffing Billy needs to reverse its decision not to support Australia Day. As well as encourage people to come to the region, to celebrate the great state and work to get more people in the area to support local small businesses.
“Australia Day is an important occasion for our great nation – a day to celebrate our shared history and welcome the thousands that take the oath to become a citizen of our great country,“ he said.
We must always respect and understand our past, but as a proud democracy we must listen to our community. Recent surveys have seen an increase in support for Australia Day to be celebrated on the 26th of January.
This Australia Day I was proud to attend events with many Victorians from multicultural backgrounds, to listen to a first people’s perspective on the day and to end the day with a couple of beers with friends.”
A News Corp online survey of over 21,000 respondents revealed that 87 per cent support keeping Australia Day on January 26, while 12 per cent favor a date change and 1 per cent advocate for no celebration.
Cardinia Shire Council’s Mayor Cr Jack Kowarzik said Australia Day means different things to different people in our community.
This includes the people of Puffing Billy and the many other organisations within our Shire.
“To celebrate Australia Day, Cardinia Shire Council conducts a citizenship ceremony, supports local community events, and acknowledges our amazing volunteers through an awards night.”
