A new decision by a regional council has reignited the long-standing debate around one of the country’s most polarising public holidays.

While Australia Day has always stirred strong opinions, this latest move has struck a nerve with locals who feel their views are being ignored.

Now, community members are voicing their frustration after being blindsided by the unexpected change.


In a move that’s ruffled more than a few feathers, Dubbo Regional Council, located in the heart of the Orana Region, has voted to shift its official Australia Day ceremonies from the traditional 25 January to 26 January, starting next year.

This decision, made at a council meeting on Tuesday, comes despite a local poll showing a whopping 87 per cent of residents wanted to keep the celebrations on the original date.

The reaction is outrage, confusion, and a sense of being ignored. One local didn’t mince words, calling the change ‘absolutely outrageous’ and ‘an abuse of power’.


‘I’m angry about it. Decisions as big as a country celebration should be a community vote only,’ they said.

Another resident argued, ‘The date is always over-exaggerated on why and how it’s celebrated.’

So, what’s behind the council’s controversial move? Labour Councillor Pam Wells, a well-known Aboriginal activist, successfully pushed for the amendment.


She referred to January 26 as ‘Survival Day’—a term used by many Indigenous Australians who see the date as a painful reminder of colonisation, rather than a day of national pride.

There’s a growing movement across the country to change the date to one that all Australians can celebrate, and Dubbo’s decision is the latest chapter in this ongoing debate.

Interestingly, Dubbo’s new date will now align with nearby Wellington, which has held its own Australia Day event on 25 January since 2023.

The council says this change is about ‘balancing the needs of the community’ and providing a range of activities for everyone.

In a social media response to a frustrated local, the council clarified: ‘We have not changed the date of Australia Day. Council determined that events and activities to recognise Australia Day in Dubbo and Wellington will be held on 25 January. We encourage residents to spend Australia Day on 26 January in a way that is meaningful to them.’

But not everyone is convinced. Councillor Shibli Chowdhury, who proposed an amendment to keep the ceremonies on January 26, saw his motion voted down six to three.

He expressed disappointment, saying, ‘We need to move to the future together and as an elected body we need to listen.’

He cited a survey of 109 locals, where 87 per cent wanted the ceremony to remain on the 26th.

Councillor Lukas Butler also referenced the survey, but it was dismissed by some as ‘not statistically significant’ due to the small sample size.

The debate over Australia Day’s date is nothing new. For many Indigenous Australians, 26 January marks the beginning of a long and painful history of dispossession and struggle.

For others, it’s a day to celebrate the nation’s achievements and multicultural identity.

The push to ‘Change the Date’ has gained momentum in recent years, with some councils and organisations choosing to hold alternative events or move their official ceremonies.

But what happens when a council’s decision goes against the overwhelming wishes of its community? That’s the question now facing Dubbo, and it’s one that’s likely to echo in other towns and cities as the national conversation continues.

For our members, this issue might hit close to home. Many of us have fond memories of Australia Day barbecues, citizenship ceremonies, and community events.

But we also know the importance of listening to all voices and finding ways to move forward together.
What do you think, members? Should councils have the power to move Australia Day ceremonies, or should the community have the final say? Have you seen similar debates in your area? And how do you feel about the ongoing discussion around Australia Day’s date?

We’d love to hear your thoughts. Please share your opinions and experiences in the comments below.

Read more: Local council's bold move to change Australia Day celebrations sparks community debate