21/01/2026
Hepburn Shire Council has released a statement that leaves little ambiguity about where it stands on Australia Day, formally confirming its decision not to host any events or official celebrations on the date.
“Today the Dja Dja Wurrung and First Nations people who live among us are strong, resilient, and vibrant peoples” began Council's statement, published today on Facebook.
“We acknowledge the profound disruption of Australia’s colonisation, and its continuing impact on First Nation Country and Culture,” it continued.
“Hepburn Shire Council stands with DJAARA’s decision to not celebrate Australia Day, therefore will not host events and celebrations on 26 January.”
“Hepburn Shire Council is an inclusive Council and understands individual community groups who may wish to host their own events and celebrations of 26 January.”
The statement formalises Hepburn Shire Council’s clear and entrenched position against Australia Day celebrations.
It was reportedly developed in consultation with Councillors and the Reconciliation Advisory Committee, and builds on actions taken over several years to distance Council from the day altogether.
The council has progressively scaled back its involvement in Australia Day activities, with citizenship ceremonies now held on other dates, and the Community Awards shifted to National Volunteer Week.
Taken together, these changes underline that Council’s stance is not symbolic or temporary, but a deliberate and sustained rejection of Australia Day as a civic occasion.
Council says this approach reflects its commitment to the reconciliation journey, which it frames as one based on unity and respect.
However, the strength of Council’s position has also made it one of the more openly opposed local governments when it comes to Australia Day, a point not lost on residents across the shire.
The decision has sparked significant backlash across Creswick, Daylesford, Clunes and Trentham, where many residents have expressed disappointment and frustration.
A common concern raised locally is the belief that proper or meaningful community consultation did not occur before such a definitive position was adopted, particularly given the importance of Australia Day to many in the community.
Those concerns were amplified this afternoon when Council immediately disabled comments on its Facebook post announcing the decision.
The move was immediately criticised by residents, who argued that shutting down comments prevented ratepayers from engaging in discussion or expressing their views on a decision that directly affects them.
For some, it reinforced the perception that Council is unwilling to tolerate debate on Australia Day, preferring instead to close off conversation rather than allow disagreement to be aired publicly.
While Council has stated it recognises the right of community groups and individuals to mark 26 January independently, its own position is unmistakable.
The statement and the handling of community response all point to a council that is firmly and openly opposed to Australia Day as an official celebration, regardless of the level of division that stance has created within the shire.
