Backlash erupts after surprise council move leaves locals fuming

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’.


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Dubbo Regional Council in NSW has voted to move Australia Day ceremonies from 26 January to 25 January next year, despite strong opposition from locals. Credit: Facebook


‘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.
Key Takeaways

  • Dubbo Regional Council in NSW has voted to move Australia Day ceremonies from 26 January to 25 January next year, despite strong opposition from locals.
  • A local poll showed 87 per cent of residents were against changing the date, with many expressing anger and calling the move an ‘abuse of power’.
  • The change was led by Councillor Pam Wells, who argued for a more inclusive celebration and referred to 26 January as ‘Survival Day’ for Indigenous Australians.
  • Some councillors and community members criticised the decision, arguing that the council ignored community feedback, while the council claimed that the new date offered a balance for all residents.
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
 
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Hi "SR",
I fully agree with what you've posted, except the last sentence.

We ALL should be PRAISING the English, especially one of the utmost best of sailors, the one & only Capt., James Cook. Claiming Australia in the name of King George 111.

If it wasn't for him, where the HELL WOULD WE ALL BE NOW. One thing I know, is, it's NOT HERE.

I'll tell everyone, for SURE & CERTAIN, we wouldn't be here doing what we are doing now of how we live.

There is ONE EXTREMELY EXCEPTIONALLY BAD THING NOW, i.e., how ALBO & his CIRCUS of ABSOLUTE CLOWNS are RUINING Australia with absolute STUPIDITY of the HIGHEST DEGREE.

Don't worry all of you LEFT WINGERS out there,& the TRUE BELIEVERS of the DOWNRIGHT LIES Albo & his COHORTS spread to all of us.

I don't reckon that Susan Ley has the "Knackers" to Chuck it to Albo.

I reckon that there are a lot of like minded people out there as myself.

I'm not apologising for my rant. I just couldn't help, nor, stop myself.

Don't worry, dear "SR", you are a true "Sweety". We all "LUV" you to bits.
Captain Cook has nothing to do with January 26th.
 
Australia Day - declared 26th January (although too often celebrated as a long weekend when it doesn't fall on a Friday or a Monday.) Part of our history. By "our" I include the Aborigines, though the activists might not appreciate it, or describe it as "Invasion Day". It was an invasion, but it happened - deal with it. Let your people come out of the stone age and into the 21st Century. Don't expect them to 'maintain the oldest living culture in the world', which it isn't, because it's been cherry-picked for the bits the most suit the activists or others that benefit in keeping too many in their power.
Those celebrating 'Australia Day' on 25th January are mixing it up with ANZAC Day - 25th April. Different thing altogether.
 
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.Hasn't stopped them from taking the Billions of Dollars in Handouts Over The Years, And they've been robbed blind by their own.
Got it in one!
 
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

Australia day is the 26th January not the 25th.

There is no need to change the date, what needs to be done is put the past in the past and come together and celebrate Australia as one .

Today's Australians had nothing to do with the invasion or the stolen generation. Maybe if they need to blame someone then blame the culprits The English !!
So, on the one hand you suggest putting the 'past in the past', but in the same breath you want to 'blame the culprits The English'.

If, as you say, 'today's Australians had nothing to do with the invasion or the stolen generation', are you suggesting that I, as an eight year old English immigrant in 1962, somehow had?

You've bad-mouthed the English before. I suggest you get over yourself - or at least make your mind up about who you accept as fellow citizens, and who you don't.
 
So, on the one hand you suggest putting the 'past in the past', but in the same breath you want to 'blame the culprits The English'.

If, as you say, 'today's Australians had nothing to do with the invasion or the stolen generation', are you suggesting that I, as an eight year old English immigrant in 1962, somehow had?

You've bad-mouthed the English before. I suggest you get over yourself - or at least make your mind up about who you accept as fellow citizens, and who you don't.
Oh SR, what have you started? 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
 
Hi "SR",
I fully agree with what you've posted, except the last sentence.

We ALL should be PRAISING the English, especially one of the utmost best of sailors, the one & only Capt., James Cook. Claiming Australia in the name of King George 111.

If it wasn't for him, where the HELL WOULD WE ALL BE NOW. One thing I know, is, it's NOT HERE.

I'll tell everyone, for SURE & CERTAIN, we wouldn't be here doing what we are doing now of how we live.

There is ONE EXTREMELY EXCEPTIONALLY BAD THING NOW, i.e., how ALBO & his CIRCUS of ABSOLUTE CLOWNS are RUINING Australia with absolute STUPIDITY of the HIGHEST DEGREE.

Don't worry all of you LEFT WINGERS out there,& the TRUE BELIEVERS of the DOWNRIGHT LIES Albo & his COHORTS spread to all of us.

I don't reckon that Susan Ley has the "Knackers" to Chuck it to Albo.

I reckon that there are a lot of like minded people out there as myself.

I'm not apologising for my rant. I just couldn't help, nor, stop myself.

Don't worry, dear "SR", you are a true "Sweety". We all "LUV" you to bits.
Hi Novezar, Well said, at last someone with balls and guts to call this insipid bunch of useless politicians ( Labour ) out. When will we stop being nice and every city in our once great country do what the ratbags are doing - PROTEST, lets stand up against them, but guess what - as long as people are getting free money, they will do nothing - I am 85 and fear for the future of Australia as we once knew it.
 
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Does it mean a long weekend? I went to school with some indigenous girls (it was a girl's technical high school). One of them often said that a few would give others a bad reputation. Surprisingly I was the one that was regularly bullied, not them
 
Ccouncils have way too much power in this country we need to get rid of them we don't need them
I am curious.
Who suggested that there be Councils for various regions in the first place?
Who set up the rules for Council to go by?
I could understand if 'the people' felt that a council was required to help (something they all seem to lack a bit of) keep stability in their area by making rules for everyone to go by to keep things peaceable and affordable but over the years, the rules have changed, Councillors have made things in such a way that it always benefits the Council and not the people as it was originally intended to do.
 
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Reactions: Leenie
I am curious.
Who suggested that there be Councils for various regions in the first place?
Who set up the rules for Council to go by?
I could understand if 'the people' felt that a council was required to help (something they all seem to lack a bit of) keep stability in their area by making rules for everyone to go by to keep things peaceable and affordable but over the years, the rules have changed, Councillors have made things in such a way that it always benefits the Council and not the people as it was originally intended to do.
Each State Government has its own governance through their respective Office of Local Governments.

Time for them to get off their shiny arses and clampdown on fraudulent Local Councils.
 
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

Australia day is the 26th January not the 25th.

There is no need to change the date, what needs to be done is put the past in the past and come together and celebrate Australia as one .

Today's Australians had nothing to do with the invasion or the stolen generation. Maybe if they need to blame someone then blame the culprits The English !!

Aboriginals are the only REAL Australians all the rest are descendants from English Dutch etc .
Which race did you descend from Suzanne before you start throwing stones?
l think Australians have pampered to the Aboriginals enough and should keep the date it has.
 
Which race did you descend from Suzanne before you start throwing stones?
l think Australians have pampered to the Aboriginals enough and should keep the date it has.
I am a direct descendant of the English dating back to 1824.

Before that, my ancestors where French. Now most people know my overt hatred of the French. My surname even bears the name of a small French town.

FMD! I can't win!! 😁
 
I am a direct descendant of the English dating back to 1824.

Before that, my ancestors where French. Now most people know my overt hatred of the French. My surname even bears the name of a small French town.

FMD! I can't win!! 😁
Good to hear l am 58% English 25% Irish 8% Scottish 4% Swedish 4% German 1% Balcon
We are all a Heinz variety
 
As an Aboriginal man, Australia Day is worth celebrating January 26 as has now been done so for over 100 years.
The woke people are not part of culture here.
It’s time to get together and celebrate that day. If you disagree, gave your party else where.
The say doesn’t only celebrate the English invasion of our nation. It celebrates the creation of out community and beginning a new richness.
Yes bad stuff happened which x t be forgiven, but that was the times then.
 

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