General News
26 June, 2025
Survey shows residents support Australia Day
AUSTRALIA Day will continue to be a major event on the Corangamite Shire calendar.
Shire residents are overwhelmingly in support of continued recognition and celebration of Australia Day on January 26.
Mayor councillor Kate Makin said a tailored question in this year’s Community Satisfaction Survey found 84 per cent of residents supported council’s continuing the celebration.
“Independent market research company National Field Services interviewed 400 residents between January 28 and March 16,” she said.
“JWS Research analysed the results to ensure an accurate representation of the age and gender profile of Corangamite Shire.
“Only seven per cent of residents were opposed, with 10 per cent neutral and two per cent unsure.
“Support was strong across all demographic groups and regions, including 88 per cent of residents aged 50 and over, and 75 per cent of residents aged 18–34.”
Cr Makin said support was consistently high across northern (81 per cent), central (87 per cent), and southern (82 per cent) areas.
“There has been widespread debate around the country about how to acknowledge our complex past on January 26 which is Australia Day by the Federal Government,” she said.
“Including this tailored question in the Community Satisfaction Survey gives council a clear indication of how our community wants to mark the occasion.
“Our national day is an opportunity to respect and honour First Nations people, early settlers and the new Australians who continue to come and call our multicultural land home.”
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