Justice Action Maribyrnong (JAM) (Note 1) acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land, the Wurundjeri Woi wurrung, Boon Wurrung and Bunurong peoples of the Kulin nation.  We recognise and respect their Ancestors, Elders and families as the traditional owners of this land and who have never ceded sovereignty.

This petition is only for residents of the Maribyrnong Local Government Area, including the suburbs of Braybrook 3019, Footscray 3011, Kingsville 3012, Maidstone 3012, Maribyrnong 3032, Seddon 3011, Tottenham 3012, West Footscray 3012 and Yarraville 3013. Please ensure your suburb/postcode is correct when signing, thank you. (Note 2).

Petition To Maribyrnong City Council,

The Maribyrnong City Council Local Government Area occupies the traditional lands of the Kulin Nation. The Traditional Owners of these lands have never ceded sovereignty. Despite the genocidal policies that characterise much of Australian history, First Nations peoples have survived, and continue to struggle for justice and political recognition.

We support the calls for a Treaty that recognise the invasion and occupation of Aboriginal land and establish the grounds for First Nations peoples to negotiate justice (Note 3).

We believe every government body is obliged to do its utmost in striving to heal our relationship with Aboriginal people and this land.

We recognise Maribyrnong City Council has taken some important first steps in adopting a Reconciliation Action Plan (Note 4) and proposing the Aboriginal Flag be lowered to half-mast on January 26. 

We note a number of Councils around Australia have withdrawn their support of Australia Day celebrations on January 26 and are also marking the day by flying the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders flag at half-mast (Note 5). 

In the spirit of healing and reconciliation, we ask that Maribyrnong Council join other local governments from 2022 onwards to:

1.   Recognise January 26 as Invasion Day / Day of Mourning / Survival Day;

2.   Work with local Aboriginal communities and Traditional Owners to mark this day appropriately;

3.   Not hold Australia Day celebrations on January 26;

4.   Advocate to Federal government for Citizenship Ceremonies to be moved to another day.

Thank you!

Maribyrnong City Council January 26 Community Consultation:
Maribyrnong Council are conducting a community consultation until 31 Jan 2022. The short survey is available at https://www.yourcityyourvoice.com.au/26jan. It would be helpful if you could also complete this survey. Thank you.

Languages:
This petition will be available in some community languages. Please see the JAM Facebook page for further information. The Translating and Interpreting Service (T.I.S.) may also assist - https://www.tisnational.gov.au/.

NOTES

(1) Justice Action Maribyrnong (JAM) - https://www.facebook.com/Justice-Action-Maribyrnong-JAM-107843471691427

(2) Maribyrnong Local Government Area - https://profile.id.com.au/maribyrnong/about

(3) Victorian Treaty - https://www.firstpeoplesrelations.vic.gov.au/treaty-bodies; First People’s Assembly - https://www.firstpeoplesvic.org/; Yoo-Rrook Justice Commission - https://yoorrookjusticecommission.org.au/

(4) Maribyrnong City Council Reconciliation Action Plan: https://www.yourcityyourvoice.com.au/maribyrnong-city-council-reconciliation-action-plan-rap

(5) List of Councils not celebrating Australia Day on January 26 or considering changes:

Running List - https://www.sbs.com.au/news/the-feed/here-s-a-running-list-of-the-councils-that-have-moved-australia-day

Surfcoast Shire - https://www.surfcoast.vic.gov.au/About-us/News-and-media/Council-to-change-the-way-it-acknowledges-26-January-to-help-healing

Hume Shire - https://sunburymacedonranges.starweekly.com.au/news/councillor-calls-to-change-australia-day/

Ballarat City - https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-12-03/ballarat-council-shifts-australia-day-fireworks/12945534

Banyule City funded Invasion Day Art Adventure – https://weteachme.com/fionahaasz/1030376-invasion-day-art-adventure-tour

Glen Eira City ‘Day of Healing’ - https://www.gleneira.vic.gov.au/media/8036/180121-gecc-26-january-a-day-of-healing.pdf and ‘Koorie Chill Out’ - https://www.gleneira.vic.gov.au/about-council/news/latest-news/council-hosts-koorie-chill-out-at-booran-reserve

Monash City – half mast flag - https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/council-to-fly-flag-at-half-mast-as-australia-day-debate-rolls-on-20210121-p56vx9.html

Port Phillip – hosts ‘Indigenous remembrance ceremony, We-Akon Dilinja’ - https://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/about-the-council/news-and-media/australia-day-to-dawn-with-an-indigenous-ceremony

City of Whittlesea - https://www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/about-us/news-publications/latest-news/refocusing-australia-day/

17 other Victorian Councils hold no Australia Day celebrations.