Surf Coast Shire Council will continue to approach 26 January each year with a focus on First Nations reconciliation.
During Tuesday night's meeting Council re-affirmed its position of not participating in Australia Day celebrations on 26 January.
This position, which has been in place since 2021, also includes flying the Aboriginal and Torres Strait flags at half-mast on the day.
Mayor Mike Bodsworth said the vote reflected the Council's majority view that supporting celebrations on a day of sadness for the First Nations community is not consistent with Council's commitment to reconciliation.
"Through our conversations and work with First Nations people, we understand that 26 January is a date that causes pain and is not the right day for a national celebration," Mayor Bodsworth said.
Council considered the matter after receiving a report from officers detailing the impacts on the First Nations community and other impacts or outcomes, both positive and negative, of reinstating Australia Day celebrations.
The report was requested by the Council during its meeting in February this year, when it also requested that cultural awareness training be made available to all councillors.
Councillors have since had the opportunity to participate in training with both the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation and the Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation.
Mayor Bodsworth acknowledged there are differing views in the community about the date.
"In making this decision we are not looking to prevent other organisations or individuals from having events to celebrate Australia Day if they see fit," the Mayor said.
Since 2023, Council has supported the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation to deliver Pilk Purriyn, a sunrise truth-telling event at Cosy Corner in Torquay.
In line with the requirements of the Australian Government, Council hosts a citizenship ceremony within three days either side of 26 January each year.
During its February 2025 meeting, Council had resolved to formally advocate to the federal government for an Australia Day date change.
On Tuesday night it resolved to advocate further, specifically to: 'write to the federal government requesting that it encourages the community to engage in a conversation about changing the date of Australia Day from January 26 to a long Australia Day weekend, being the last weekend in January.'
