Please note: this is an archived news article release
This article was published on Friday, 26 April, 2024. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.
Posted on Friday 26th of April, 2024,
At its April Council meeting, Greater Shepparton City Council voted on a way forward for 26 January in 2025 and beyond, which included changes to the Community Celebration Grants Program, the establishment of a Shepparton Australia Day committee and to continue advocacy to the Australian Government to change the date.
In summary
Following extensive community consultation throughout 2022-2023, changes to the way Council acknowledged the 26 January were implemented for 2024.
At its April meeting, Council noted a report outlining the cost implications of reinstating the Greater Shepparton pre-2024 Australia Day program.
The motion carried at the meeting agreed to provide funding through the Community Celebrations Grants Program for communities to hold their own celebrations between 24 and 29 January.
At the meeting, Council also voted to establish a Shepparton Australia Day committee to deliver an Australia Day event on the 26 January, commencing from 2025. Council will provide administrative support to establish the Committee, and the Committee can apply for funding through the 2025 Community Celebration Grants Program to hold their celebrations between 24 and 29 January in line with other communities.
Council also agreed to retain several elements of previous decisions, including continuing to advocate to the Australian Government to change the date of Australia Day from 26 January to a more suitable date, and providing financial and in-kind support for the Survival Day Dawn Ceremony. Council will also continue to lower the Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander flags to half-mast on 26 January at all Council-owned facilities, and recognise in its communications that Australia Day, held on 26 January, remains Australia’s national day.
“We know that Australia Day has different meanings for people in Greater Shepparton. For some, the day holds a lot of hurt and is not a day for celebration. However for others, the day holds a special meaning and is one they choose to acknowledge,” Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali said.
“By Council reinstating funding for events held on 26 January, it gives community members the opportunity to celebrate Australia’s national day however they choose.”
More News from Greater Shepparton
Wednesday 6th of May,
Strong community turnout at VicGrid Dookie session
Greater Shepparton City Council acknowledges the strong community turnout and constructive discussion at the VicGrid community information session held in Dookie last night, Tuesday 5 May. Read more
Wednesday 6th of May,
2027 Three-Year-Old and Four-Year-Old Kindergarten registrations now open
Registrations are now open for three and four-year-old kindergarten spaces for 2027, with Greater Shepparton City Council encouraging parents, guardians and carers to register their child online via Council’s website. Read more
Wednesday 6th of May,
State Budget investment welcomed, but Greater Shepparton’s growth outpaces funding
Greater Shepparton City Council has responded to the 2026/27 Victorian State Budget, welcoming a few important local and regional investments while noting that further work is required to fully meet the needs of a rapidly growing community and its role… Read more
Tuesday 5th of May,
Council sets 2027/28 objective for hard waste collection following careful review
Greater Shepparton City Council has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a reliable, efficient and equitable hard waste collection service for the Greater Shepparton community. Read more
Monday 4th of May,
Council calling for tailored fruit fly management for Goulburn Murray Valley
Greater Shepparton City Council is calling for continued, locally tailored fruit fly management in the Goulburn Murray Valley, following the release of a new independent expert report. Read more
Thursday 30th of April,
Council welcomes PET scanner funding for GV Health, but greater cancer care investment still needed
Greater Shepparton City Council has acknowledged the Victorian Government’s announcement of $7.1 million in the 2026/27 State Budget to operationalise a new PET scanner at Goulburn Valley Health, describing it as a positive but limited step toward meeting… Read more
See All News
Want to get the latest news and events in your Facebook feed?
Just go to our Facebook page and click the Like button.
More Events in Greater Shepparton
Wednesday 13th of May,
Unlocking Social Media for Your Business
This practical workshop is designed for business owners and staff who want to build confidence and skills in using social media for business, without needing to be experts. Read more
Tuesday 5th of May, – to Monday 11th of May,
VicGrid - Dookie Community Sessions
We’re hosting small, group community information sessions at the Dookie Memorial Hall about the proposed Central North Renewable Energy Zone. Read more
Monday 11th of May,
SO YOU WANT TO MAKE GAMES? -- Explore game development as a creative career and meet some local creators in Shepparton!
Game development is one of the most expansive creative industries in the world and Shepparton has its own working designer ready to show you how it actually works. View on Riverlinks
Wednesday 13th of May,
Puff Walk
Did you know walking together helps build stronger friendships and healthier habits? Read more
Friday 8th of May,
Puff Walk
Walk. Talk. Laugh. Repeat! Read more
Sunday 10th of May,
Mother's Day Picnic
A relaxed Mother’s Day picnic experience featuring a generous shared menu, drink on arrival and kids picnic packs, set against the Dookie Hills landscape. Bring a picnic rug and settle in for the afternoon,… Read more
See All Events