Please note: this is an archived news article release
This article was published on Wednesday, 27 March, 2024. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.
Posted on Wednesday 27th of March, 2024,
Council is seeking feedback from the community on an appropriate way to publicly recognise Greater Shepparton’s diverse First Nations, migrant and refugee communities.
Summary
Read the full story below.
At the April 2023 Council Meeting, a Notice of Motion was moved by Councillor Geoff Dobson to seek a report for endorsement of the recognition of Indigenous, migrant and refugee communities, by way of an avenue of flags in an appropriate location within the municipality.
This report, presented at the September 2023 Council Meeting, considered the purpose, initial community engagement, flag selection, potential locations, risks and whole of life cost estimates of an avenue of flags.
At the September Meeting, Council agreed to write to the relevant embassies to seek engagement and a financial co-contribution, along with conducting further community consultation to consider alternative options for the public recognition of Greater Shepparton’s diverse First Nations, migrant and refugee communities.
Council is now undertaking this consultation to understand the community’s expectations. A survey has been established on Council’s Shaping Greater Shepp website which seeks to understand the community’s thoughts around an avenue of flags, or an alternative way of appropriately recognising the region’s rich and diverse culture.
“Greater Shepparton has a proud multicultural community, with successive waves of migration seeing many overseas born residents call our region home,” Mayor, Cr Shane Sali said.
“These community members make a significant contribution to the local culture and economy, which is what the Notice of Motion put forward by Cr Dobson seeks to recognise. While Council does not have any current budget for an initiative like an avenue of flags, our first step will be to write to the relevant embassies to seek a financial co-contribution.”
The purpose of an avenue of flags is to provide a location for residents and visitors to celebrate identity and culture. Council will also consider alternative options, which could include an artwork, mural, community flagpole, important events, or a dedicated community space.
Cr Sali encouraged residents to share their thoughts via the survey to help inform Council’s decision around next steps.
“This consultation is the perfect opportunity for Council to understand what the community would like to see in way of recognising our diverse community. This may be through an avenue of flags or one of many other options which we can consider to best meet the community’s expectations,” he said.
“We look forward to reviewing the feedback and determining the most appropriate way forward.”
The survey opens today, Wednesday 27 March, and closes Wednesday 24 April 2024. View the survey and submit your feedback here.
For further information or for assistance with filling out the survey, please phone Council on 5832 9700 or email council@shepparton.vic.gov.au
More News from Greater Shepparton
Friday 12th of September,
Planning the future of play: KidsTown consultation begins
Greater Shepparton City Council is inviting residents to take part in consultation opportunities for the revitalisation of the region’s much-loved and iconic KidsTown Adventure Playground. Following significant flood damage in 2022 and the ageing condition… Read more
Thursday 11th of September,
Young performers shine at Talent Show
Greater Shepparton City Council celebrated the creativity and skills of local young people at the recent Youth Talent Show, which brought colour, music and energy to the Winter City Market on Saturday 30 August at the Maude Street Precinct in Shepparton.… Read more
Wednesday 10th of September,
Growth surge opportunity for Greater Shepparton region
Greater Shepparton has recorded one of the most dramatic population shifts in the country, with a 229 per cent year-on-year increase in net internal relocations, driven largely by people moving from capital cities. Read more
Wednesday 10th of September,
Greater Shepparton celebrates Seniors Festival 2025 this October
Victoria’s largest Seniors Festival returns in October 2025 and Greater Shepparton City Council is encouraging older residents to get involved. Read more
Tuesday 9th of September,
Greater Shepparton on the world stage at Asia Fruit Logistica
Greater Shepparton, the Fruit Capital of Australia, was on show at Asia Fruit Logistica in Hong Kong last week, the premier trade event for fresh produce across the Asia-Pacific. Read more
Monday 8th of September,
Youth Fest 2025 kicks off across Greater Shepparton with plenty more still to come
Greater Shepparton City Council is excited to announce that Youth Fest 2025 is officially underway, bringing a vibrant line-up of free and low-cost events to young people throughout the month of September. Read more
See All News
Want to get the latest news and events in your Facebook feed?
Just go to our Facebook page and click the Like button.
More Events in Greater Shepparton
Sunday 21st of September,
Women Only Swimming
Aquamoves Women Only Swimming Sessions are all about empowering women to get active and overcome feelings of judgment. View on Aquamoves
Saturday 20th of September,
GV Last Man Standing Ultra
The GV Last Man Standing is Northern Victoria’s original Backyard Ultra, a brutal, exhilarating test of endurance where there’s only one winner: the last person still running! Read more
Saturday 20th of September,
Nature’s Mini Canvas
Create Your Own Forest Friend! Read more
Thursday 18th of September, – to Sunday 21st of September,
Legacy of The Horse
Legacy of the Horse – Australia’s Premier Colt Starting Championship, bringing world-class trainers, education, clinics, masterclasses, entertainment, Tatura this September. Read more
Monday 22nd of September, – to Friday 3rd of October,
FamilyCare Book Inn Book Sale
Our Book Sale has a huge variety of books available, including great titles for children and teenagers. Do yourself a favour and drop in to pick up a bargain. Four books for just $2! Read more
Friday 19th of September,
Puff Walk
Let’s walk and talk. Read more
See All Events