Summary
- The proposal includes an "avenue of flags" but alternative options such as artwork, a mural, or community spaces are also being considered.
- Council emphasises the importance of community input through a survey available on the Shaping Greater Shepp website.
- Residents are encouraged to participate in the consultation, which runs from Wednesday 27 March to Wednesday 24 April 2024, to help inform Council's decision-making process.
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
