24/01/2026
As councils across regional Victoria continue to take sharply different positions on Australia Day, the divide between local governments is becoming increasingly clear.
Dan Straub, Mayor of Loddon Shire Council, has now issued a clear and emphatic statement reaffirming the importance of 26 January and outlining the council’s commitment to celebrating the day across the shire.
The statement comes as nearby Hepburn Shire Council has formally confirmed it will not host Australia Day events or official celebrations on the date, having progressively withdrawn from the day as a civic occasion.
Speaking ahead of this year’s events in a video shared to Facebook, Dan emphasised both the national significance of Australia Day and its meaning for local residents.
“Well, it's January again, and January 26 is one of the most important days on the Australian calendar – Australia Day,” he began.
“One of the most important days to me and my family, and one of the most important days to many, many people across Australia, including Loddon Shire residents.”
Dan said Australia Day remains a time for shared recognition of culture, country, and identity – a view that stands in direct contrast to councils that have chosen to step away from the day.
“Australia Day is a day to celebrate our unique Australian culture, and celebrate the beauty of this great land,” he said, before turning to how the day is marked locally.
“Now, Loddon Shire, I believe, does it pretty well each year. We've got eight Australia Day celebrations happening around the Shire.”
While Hepburn Shire Council has moved ceremonies and awards to other dates and confirmed it will not participate in official Australia Day activities, its position is now firmly established.
By contrast, Loddon Shire Council will again host multiple celebrations across its towns, centred on community involvement and civic recognition.
The Mayor also highlighted the role of volunteers and community groups in keeping those celebrations alive.
“We really thank those volunteers and community groups that, year-on-year, put on those great Australia Day celebrations to celebrate community and what is special to them.”
He said Australia Day also remains a key moment for recognising service and contribution within the shire.
“We, as councillors, and in my mayoral role, really get to celebrate our Youth of the Year, our Loddon Citizen of the Year, and also our Ward Citizens and great community events.”
“It's something that we take a lot of pride in – really recognising and celebrating with those individuals that have done such a great contribution to their local communities.”
“And we really appreciate and really like to thank those individuals for their year-on-year out efforts to community.”
Taken together, the contrasting approaches highlight a clear and widening divide between neighbouring councils. Loddon Shire Council continues to actively support Australia Day through civic events and public recognition.
By contrast, Hepburn's decision has prompted significant backlash from residents who feel the importance of the day to their community was not adequately consulted on – a concern heightened by the disabling of comments on its announcement.
As councils increasingly take firm and opposing positions, Australia Day is becoming not just a point of national debate, but a visible fault line between local governments and the communities they represent.
