Council
26 January, 2024
Hindmarsh gears up to mark Australia Day
Big crowds are expected at each of the Australia Day award ceremonies to be held across the district this week.
Big crowds are expected at each of the Australia Day award ceremonies to be held across the district this week.
Although an increasing number of councils nationally are abandoning Australia Day, Hindmarsh Shire will acknowledge the day with celebrations in Dimboola, Jeparit, Nhill and Rainbow.
Hindmarsh Shire Council mayor Cr Brett Ireland said it was important for each town to have its own identity by having its own awards.
Celebrations at Dimboola are likely to attract around 150 people, while more than 200 people usually gather for the ceremony at Nhill.
While award presentations will be made, there will be no ceremonies of citizenship.
Cr Ireland said the council had never discussed the issue of having citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day.
"In my time as a councillor, we have never held a citizenship ceremony on the day due to practical reasons," he said.
"In Hindmarsh Shire, we do citizenship ceremonies on demand which can be numerous times during the year."
Hindmarsh Shire has scheduled their next Australia Citizenship ceremony for January 29.
Meanwhile, Horsham community members appear unbothered by the decision Woolworths has made to can Australia Day merchandise from its supermarket shelves.
A Horsham Times journalist asked community members if they agreed with the decision.
All admitted they didn't agree with the "boycott", but also would not buy the merchandise.
One resident accused Woolworths of attempting to fit in with the "woke" policy.
Christopher Coyle, 62, said he believed the decision by Woolworths would go against what most Australians thought and wanted.
"Woolworths is trying to fit in with the 'woke' policy," Mr Coyle said.
Bernadette Thursby, 36, said she did not buy Australia Day merchandise, and said she believed January 26 was not the most sensitive date to celebrate the day.
"So, I guess I use it as a 'down-time' day," Ms Thursby said.
"It's a day where I'm not required at work but I don't do anything to celebrate either."
Like Ms Thursby, Peta Atkins, 54, said she didn't buy Australia Day items, adding that it was because she thought it was too commercialised.
"It's not what it's about so it's probably a good thing and should've been done earlier," Ms Atkins said.