Outcome

Council’s four Australia Day events will continue unchanged at this point in time.

Thank you to everyone that provided feedback on the events council delivers on Australia Day each year. Feedback was captured from 531 people. Sentiment in the survey was split, with around half of respondents wanting to keep all four events on Australia Day, and slightly less than half wanting to see some sort of change, such as moving the date of the event or ceasing the event.

At their 12 December meeting a report (refer agenda item 9.2) was presented to Council to share the full community engagement outcomes, including activities held to capture feedback of First Nations people. The report also shared the advantages/disadvantages of holding a citizenship ceremony within three days either side of Australia Day, as is now permitted by the Federal Government.

Council noted the report and community engagement outcomes, and council’s four Australia Day events will continue unchanged.

Thank you again to everyone that provided input to this process.


Background

This consultation is now closed. Thanks to everyone who provided feedback.

The City of Onkaparinga acknowledges the Kaurna Nation and its people as the traditional owners and custodians of the land in the area now known as the City of Onkaparinga, and pays respect to Elders past and present.

Each year, the City of Onkaparinga delivers a wide range of events for the benefit of our communities including youth events, civic events, events at our libraries, and major events like the Onkaparinga Christmas Pageant.

We recently asked our community for feedback on the five major events council holds each year. We received strong support to continue delivering our major events however opportunities were identified for improvement in all including the Australia Day Bush Fair.

Annually on Australia Day (26 January), the City of Onkaparinga holds four events.

Council resolved at its meeting on 21 February 2023, that it would undertake community consultation that gauges community views on holding the four following events on Australia Day:

  • The Australia Day Bush Fair, including the ‘Fireworks’ display.
  • Citizenship Ceremony
  • Presentation of Australia Day Awards
  • Breakfasts at three locations namely: Happy Valley, Noarlunga and Willunga

We are always looking to improve our events so we now seek the community’s feedback on the events council holds on Australia Day.

Whilst we understand and respect you may feel passionately about the date of Australia Day, please understand that this consultation is only about the events provided on Australia Day by the City of Onkaparinga. Council has no jurisdiction over the setting of public holidays.

Please read the project background and frequently asked questions, and then have your say by completing the short survey.