The past is the past, and you can’t change it.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Instead, Australians should celebrate what their nation has become.
That’s Councillor Trevor Hicks’ view, and it’s for this reason he has chosen to put forward a notice of motion that Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council affirm its support for Australia Day on January 26 each year.
“A lot of people have been asking what the future of Australia Day is and what QPRC’s’ commitment would be to it,” Cr Hicks said.
“I ran my council ticket to maintain Australia Day on the 26th of January, so true to that, I am making a commitment tonight.”
Related content:
Cr Hicks doesn’t want to see the date changed, but he does want to see the Queanbeyan-Palerang celebrations changed.
Instead of whip round circuit, with a breakfast at 7:30am in Bungendore, a morning tea at Captains Flat a lunch in Braidwood and a ceremony in Queanbeyan, Cr Hicks would like to see ceremonies planned by and for the communities.
For this reason, he will put forward an amendment that he be involved in a committee to organise the 2019 celebrations.
Despite the growing movement to change the date, Cr Hicks thinks a January 26 Australia Day is a tradition worth maintaining.
“You can’t change history, all you can do is move forward and use the celebration of the 26th of January to celebrate what Australia is,” he said.
It’s a tradition that should be maintained. My grandfather fought in Kokoda and he fought on the Australian values and principles that we have in this country.”
Follow the Braidwood Times and the Queanbeyan Age for live updates from Wednesday night’s council meeting.