Steve Christou slams council for flying Australia Day banners with other celebrations

·

Cumberland City Councillor Steve Christou has criticised the council for failing to exclusively fly Australia Day banners in its town centres, opting instead to share the space with flags for Lunar New Year and Pongal throughout January.

Christou expressed his “dismay” after noticing no Australia Day banners in Merrylands town centre early last week, despite seeing flags promoting the Tamil harvest festival, Pongal.

“I was shocked to walk through Merrylands town centre… and see that there were no Australia Day banners being displayed,” he said.

“Banners advertising Pongal celebrations were on display and flying high.”

“In my opinion, not flying the flags for a prolonged period and having them up with other celebrations is watering down a significant event,” Christou said.

He questioned, “Why are we not celebrating it exclusively?” Christou, who represents Granville ward, argued that while the council should celebrate its multiculturalism, it should never come at the expense of Australia Day.

“Australia Day should not be muddled up with anything else,” he said.

“When the community sees this kind of stuff, it’s what causes division and tarnishes our national identity.”

In contrast, Christou pointed to Fairfield and Canterbury-Bankstown councils, which had flown Australia Day banners exclusively for over three weeks.

Cumberland Mayor Ola Hamed responded, saying she was proud to lead a community that “lives in harmony side-by-side.”

She reminded Christou that the council had resolved in March 2022 to expand its events program to include more cultural celebrations, a motion Christou had supported.

“This practice also took place when he was mayor,” Hamed noted.

Source: Daily Telegraph.

Cretan Convention - Web Banner

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

From Athens to Adelaide: Hellenic bonds strengthened at dinner for Loverdos

South Australia’s Greek community gathered at the Mortlock Chamber to honour visiting Deputy Minister Ioannis Loverdos.

Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney pays tribute to women of courage and resistance

The Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney hosted a deeply moving and meticulously researched presentation titled Greek Heroines of WWII.

Anemones in full bloom, 25 years of Greek dance and giving

The hall was brimming with warmth, laughter, dance, and homemade food; unmistakable signs you’d stepped into an Anemones celebration.

Sydney Olympic may be forced to drop new logo over Olympic symbol breach

Sydney Olympic FC may be forced to change its new logo after it was found to breach protections over official Olympic symbols.

Greek Australian community leader Nola Radiotis honoured with Senior Award

The Victorian Senior of the Year Awards took place at Government House on this Wednesday, October 22, 2025. 

You May Also Like

Penny Pachos appointed Principal at St Euphemia College

Penny Pachos has been appointed the new School Principal at St Euphemia College in Bankstown, Sydney's south west.

George Kambosos Jr eyes redemption with Sydney showdown

Former world champion George Kambosos Jr. insists he is far from finished as he prepares for his first fight in Sydney since 2016.

David Catsoulis’ gold mining company faces winding up application

David Catsoulis has been talking up the prospects of his PNG gold project despite the company facing a winding up application.