The Adelaide Hills Council has reversed a controversial decision to boycott Australia Day, allowing citizenship ceremonies, awards, and community events to be held on January 26, beginning in 2027. The decision to end the boycott, which had been in place for four years, passed with a near-unanimous vote of 10-1 among the 11 councillors on Tuesday.
Councillor Adrian Cheater, who introduced the motion to overturn the ban, stated that the council had made the initial decision in 2023 without consulting residents. "In hindsight, I think we forgot that reconciliation starts with relationships," Cheater said during the council session. He emphasized that he sees no conflict in attending both the traditional Australia Day celebrations and the "Mourning in the Morning" ceremony, viewing it as a way to foster inclusion and allow people to mark the day differently.
The Australia Day public holiday commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet in Sydney Cove in 1788. In recent years, the date has become a subject of increased scrutiny and debate, with many, including younger generations and Indigenous people, viewing it as an "Invasion Day" or a "Day of Mourning." Prior to this reversal, the Adelaide Hills Council was among more than 60 local councils across Australia that had opted to boycott official ceremonies on January 26, citing sensitivities among First Nations residents.
Under the new rules, individuals who object to being recognized on January 26 will have the option to choose an alternative date for their citizenship ceremonies or civic awards. This change follows a period where the council had implemented the ban shortly after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese rescinded a rule from the previous government that mandated councils hold Australia Day citizenship ceremonies.
Mayor Nathan Daniell, who had supported the boycott three years prior, acknowledged the need for reflection and adjustment. "Leadership also requires us to reflect on the decisions we make, to learn from their implementation and to be prepared to adjust our approach as we learn from experience and hear from our community," Daniell said in a statement. He added that the decision "preserves choice" and ensures the council's approach remains inclusive and respectful of differing perspectives. The council, serving a population of 42,875 residents, has committed to closer community collaboration while maintaining respectful engagement with First Nations people. Mayor Daniell concluded by stating the decision aims to be driven by respect, inclusion, and a desire to unite the community, rather than political positioning.