One Aussie state confirms January 26th parade won't be returning
The Victorian government has confirmed that the Australia Day parade in Melbourne won't be returning in 2025, after it was cancelled four years ago.
The government has still planned a host of activities for January 26th, such as the annual 21-gun salute at the Shrine of Remembrance and RAAF flyover, as well as a flag-raising ceremony at Government House.
“The Victorian Government supports a range of Australia Day events that celebrate what makes our state and nation special,” A Victorian Department of Premier and Cabinet spokesperson told news.com.au.
“The program for Australia Day 2025 provides a range of free and accessible events for Victorian families.”
However, there are no plans to reinstate the Australia Day parade, as a Department of Premier and Cabinet spokesman told the Herald Sun: “We also recognise that January 26 means different things to different people.
“On this day, we encourage conversation and reflection on the different meanings of the day for all Victorians.”
Ngarra Murray, Co-chair of the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria, agreed with the decision to cut the Melbourne parade.
“The Aboriginal community has a range of views on January 26, but whichever way you look at it, it’s a day of mourning for a lot of our people,” Ms Murray told the Herald Sun. “So it’s not a date to celebrate.”
While many Victorian councils are at odds on whether to celebrate Australia Day or not, City of Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj said the decision to hold events on January 26th should come from the state.
“It is important to note that Australia Day is a national day proclaimed by the federal government, and the decision on which date to observe it is not one for local councils to make,” he said.
“Australia Day is a day when we should be reflecting on and celebrating everything that is great and good about this country.”
The Australia Day parade in Melbourne was first cancelled in 2020, with then premier Dan Andrews citing Covid-19 concerns as the reason.
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