Late last year and earlier this year the nexus between Councils and Australia Day was front and centre of community debate. Many in our community were aggrieved that this happened.

Why? Because Unley Council and others chose to hold their respective citizenship ceremonies other than the day itself.

This reaction prompted my co-councillor, Rebekah Rogers, to move a motion on notice to consult with our community regarding the next Australia Day-oriented citizenship ceremony. This consultation commenced yesterday and closes on Sunday 18 August 2024.

The survey asks whether or not we should hold our citizenship ceremony on Australia Day or one of three days prior or 3 days after. Likewise, our Citizen of the Year Ceremony, which traditionally has been held the same day. Lastly, we will ask if you believe we should hold a community event for all our citizens at the same time.

We will focus on the following approaches to solicit your views.

• Your Say Project Page & digital screen at Customer Centre
• Unley Libraries & Community Centre social media & CoU news article
• Unley Connect e-newsletter
• Your Say e-newsletter
• Perhaps the most convenient way to participate is to participate in our have your say on our website.

To find out more about the consultation check out our website page dedicated to it. For more information about the history and my reporting of it check out my blog posts of 8 August & 8 September. Likewise for an understanding of why this is Council business.

In the interests of maintaining respectful interaction/conversations and mitigating community division around Australia Day on the City of Unley’s social media platforms, all comments will be switched off on the libraries and community centre Facebook posts promoting this consultation. The City of Unley’s corporate social channels are not being used to promote this consultation.