Bayswater Council Votes to Return Citizenship Ceremonies to Australia Day
The City of Bayswater council has made the controversial decision to return its citizenship and awards ceremonies to January 26, reversing a previous move that had scheduled these events within three days of Australia Day. The decision was made during a tense council meeting that saw members of the public storming out of the chambers in protest.
Council Debate Over Symbolism and Tradition
North ward councillor Michelle Sutherland led the argument for holding ceremonies on Australia Day, emphasizing the symbolic significance and traditional aspects of the date. She described the Australia Day citizenship ceremony as a unifying occasion that celebrates national pride while welcoming new citizens into the Australian community.
"We can honour the experience of the people while celebrating the progress and unity of modern Australia," Cr Sutherland stated during the meeting. "Instead of allowing this day to become one of sorrow, let us celebrate what unites us. Let us look to what unites us, not what divides us."
Cr Sutherland further clarified that celebrating Australia Day does not mean ignoring or excluding the stories of First Nations people, but rather recognizing both historical experiences and contemporary unity.
Supporting Councillors Emphasize Significance
Councillors Anthony Pittaway, Steven Ostaszewskyj, and Calla Loiacono joined Cr Sutherland in supporting the move back to Australia Day. Cr Ostaszewskyj highlighted the importance of citizenship as a significant civic milestone, stating that it represents the moment when new Australians formally commit to the nation, its values, and its future.
Cr Pittaway emphasized that Australia Day represents more than just marking a date on the calendar, celebrating achievements and contributions of remarkable people within the community. Cr Loiacono noted that while there was vocal opposition to holding ceremonies on January 26, there was also a "significant silent majority" who felt deeply that becoming an Australian on Australia Day carried meaningful symbolism and pride.
Opposition Voices Raise Reconciliation Concerns
Not all councillors supported the decision, with Crs Cale Black, Donovan MacDonald, and Nat Latter speaking against returning ceremonies to Australia Day. Cr MacDonald expressed strong concerns about the message this decision sends regarding reconciliation efforts.
"Reversing that decision today sends the message from this Bayswater council that we hear you and we don't give a damn. It says 'Stuff your reconciliation,' is what it says," Cr MacDonald stated during the heated debate.
Cr Black emphasized that everyone should feel respected and welcome to attend city events, noting that keeping ceremonies separate from January 26 represented a small but important step in the journey toward reconciliation. Cr Latter expressed concern about putting prospective citizens in an uncomfortable position, noting that citizenship ceremonies held throughout the year at other times are not similarly "tainted" by controversy.
Amended Proposal and Practical Considerations
Deputy mayor Elli Petersen-Pik successfully amended the proposal to ensure that ceremonies held on Australia Day would specifically recognize the strength and survival of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This amendment passed with a 5-3 vote.
City officers had recommended against returning ceremonies to the public holiday, suggesting instead to keep events within three days of Australia Day as had been done since 2024. They had previously warned that hosting large public events on January 26 could present heightened security, financial, and reputational risks, which councillors referenced during their discussions.
This year, the city held its ceremony event on Wednesday, January 28, two days after the public holiday. The City of Bayswater mayor Filomena Piffaretti was notably absent from the council meeting where this significant decision was made.
The public gallery at Tuesday night's meeting was mostly full with people waiting to hear the council's decision, and members were seen storming out of the chamber during the intense debate, reflecting the divisive nature of this issue within the community.
