DAREBIN: Flags lowered on Jan. 26

Thursday, January 23, 2025

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags in Darebin are to be set at half-post on Sunday (Jan. 26), “as a mark of recognition, respect and mourning”lags will be lowered “, says the local Council.

The move follows Council’s consultation with the Darebin Aboriginal Advisory Committee.

“January 26 marks the beginning of the British invasion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander lands and oppression of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people,” said a Council statemenht.

“The first Day of Mourning was held on January 26, 1938, being the 150th anniversary of the British invasion. This Day was attended by Indigenous Australians and non-Indigenous supporters in protest of the national holiday and the ‘callous treatment’ of Aboriginal people and continues to be held annually.

The Council says that it made the “to acknowledge that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people never ceded sovereignty” and “to build better understanding with the broader Darebin community of Australia’s history and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community’s pain in relation to the significance and history of January 26”.

The flags are to be lowered at Councils’ Municipal Offices in Preston, Bundoora Park and Bundoora Homestead Art Centre.

“Discussions around January 26 may be distressing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people or impact social and emotional wellbeing,” the Council statement said.

“We support the celebration of Australia’s national identity, just not on January 26.

“In addition to providing important services like rubbish and roads maintenance, councils are responsible for protecting the health and wellbeing of their communities. Darebin Council is opposed to Australia’s national celebration being held on January 26 out of respect for local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, who have told us that they experience a day of sadness, pain and disconnection. Australia Day, and its history, is complex for many Australians, in particular Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.”