Actions to support First Peoples

Published on 22 April 2021

Monash Council will lower the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags to half-mast each year on 26 January to acknowledge the experience of First Peoples.

Council has also resolved to publicly support the newly established Yoo-rrook Justice Commission that will examine the lasting effect of colonisation on the social, economic and health outcomes for First Peoples.

Council will continue to acknowledge Australia Day on whatever date the Federal Government gazettes but has also committed to host a service on 26 January (from 2022 onwards) that acknowledges the loss of culture, language and identity that is felt by the Aboriginal communities on this day.

Council will also seek advice and input from local Indigenous communities on this service and welcomes their contribution and participation.

In its support of the notice of motion brought to the March meeting by Cr Josh Fergeus, Council also resolved to:

• Publicly support the Uluru Statement from the Heart, which outlines the path forward for recognising Indigenous Australians in Australia’s constitution
• Acknowledges that First Nations people never ceded sovereignty of their lands and have continuously cared for their country for over 60,000 years, as the world’s oldest living culture
• Notes that the first Day of Mourning was held on January 26, 1938, the 150th anniversary of the British invasion, attended by First Nations people and non-indigenous supporters in protest of the national holiday and the treatment of First Nations people

• Contributes to Makarrata, truth-telling, justice and reconciliation

• Commits to talking with our community and improving their understanding of First Nations issues, as well as strengthening our understanding of community views on these issues

Monash Mayor Brian Little said the undertakings were an important step forward in healing.

“We understand the different positions held regarding Australia Day and we will continue to acknowledge Australia Day under the Federal Government’s guidelines,” Cr Little said.

“We also believe it is appropriate to acknowledge the pain of our First Peoples with our decision to lower the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags to half-mast on 26 January and hold a service that acknowledges that this is a day of grief and remembrance for many.”

Media Contact: Jo Robertson on 0418 391 979 or Joanne.Robertson@monash.vic.gov.au