By Matthew Sims
Maribyrnong council will be incorporating a First Nations Elder, a smoking ceremony and recognising Thursday, January 26 as a ‘day of mourning’ as part of its events on January 26.
At its meeting on Tuesday, December 6, Maribyrnong council passed a motion to continue to hold citizenship ceremonies on January 26 and write to federal government representatives to advocate for them to consider changing the date of the national celebration.
Maribyrnong mayor Sarah Carter said a First Nations Elder will conduct a Welcome to Country in advance of the citizenship ceremony, during which up to 60 new Australians will be welcomed to the municipality.
“Council will be acknowledging the day as one of mourning for many First Nations people that symbolises a history of loss and trauma that has occurred since British colonisation,” she said.
“Council will once again be lowering the Australian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags to half-mast in recognition of the grief and loss the day represents for many First Nations people.
Cr Carter said the council is pleased to include a smoking ceremony for the first time as part of a citizenship ceremony in Maribyrnong.
“This is one way we can help those who are not fully aware of the background to this significant and increasingly mainstream issue, particularly in respect to the experiences of First Nations Peoples, to better understand the stories and appreciate their journey,” she said.
“This is a first step towards a more respectful acknowledgement, recognising this is about more than just one day.
“Council remains committed to continuing to engage, educate and inform around the wider issues.”
Maribyrnong council will host its Civic Awards ceremony in mid-February.
Hobsons Bay council will host an Australia Day citizenship ceremony at the Williamstown Town Hall from 10am to noon, which will also include the announcement of the 2023 Hobsons Bay Citizen of the Year and Young Citizen of the Year.
