Glen Eira Mayor Cr Margaret Esakoff said Council stands with the Boon Wurrung people and all First Nations peoples to turn what, for them, is a day of mourning into a day of healing so we can move forward together as a nation.

“As a nation, we have much to celebrate. We are an extremely lucky country with a diverse society, rich landscape and strong sense of community. However, it is important that we come together to acknowledge the pain and true history that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have experienced as a direct result of the European colonisation of Australia,” Cr Esakoff said.

“Therefore, as well as celebrating our great country, 26 January is also a time for us to come together in unity to reflect and mourn for those Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who died fighting for Country.”

“We are committed to continuing our work towards reconciliation with First Nations peoples as outlined in Council’s Reconciliation Action Plan to create deep and powerful change within the Glen Eira community.”