No public Australia Day events will be run in the City of Casey this year, due to the impacts and risks associated with Covid-19.
The divisive day, on 26 January, is a time to reflect on what it means to be Australian, to celebrate contemporary Australia and to acknowledge our history.
In a statement, the City of Casey said: “We acknowledge that Australia day is not celebrated in the same way across our community, or in some cases, at all. Australia Day provides an opportunity to reflect on the resilience and survival of Aboriginal culture and its people.”
This year, due to Covid-19 restrictions, no public Australia Day events will be held, however, many council-run facilities, like Wilson Botanic Park to attractions like Myuna Farm, will be open to the public.
“Australia Day is an occasion to reflect on what we have achieved, what we can be proud of and acknowledge the contribution that every Australian makes to our diverse, great nation,” a council statement read.
“This is why we continue to run the Casey Australia Day Awards, which recognise and honour outstanding people in the Casey community who consistently go above and beyond in their contribution to the Casey community as a volunteer, professional or community member.”
This year, Covid-19 restrictions permitting, Casey’s Australia Day Awards finalists will be invited to a 2021 event. At this ceremony, Casey’s Citizens of the Year will be announced.
Casey’s Young Citizen of the Year will be crowned alongside a senior citizen and a community group.
The awards ceremony is invite-only but it will be livestreamed to the community on Facebook, so the public can recognise and acknowledge the achievements of the municipalities most outstanding residents.
Seventy people will become our newest Australian Citizens at a private ceremony hosted by the City of Casey on Tuesday 26 January.
