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.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Step into the world of mental health with Georgia Cassimatis’ latest book

Greek Australian author and journalist, Georgia Cassimatis, has released a book all about exploring the world of mental health.

GOCNSW Welfare Service to put a spotlight on cyber security awareness

The Greek Orthodox Community of NSW’s (GOCNSW) Welfare Service has organised three Cyber Security Awareness education and training workshops.

Marriage of a Greek woman abroad: What to watch out for

It is during this registration process that numerous problems arise, which are not dealt with immediately but later on.

Athena Competition Greek winners show olive oil diversity

By Lisa Radinovsky from Greek Liquid Gold. At the 10th anniversary edition of the ATHENA International Olive Oil Competition in Chania, Crete, Greece in May, 175 Greek olive oils...

Greece’s island communities face population crisis

The demographic decline in Greece is hitting its islands hard, with Lemnos and Agios Efstratios showing alarming signs of aging populations.

You May Also Like

Consul of Greece in Perth visits Archbishop Makarios of Australia

The Consul of Greece in Perth, Georgia Karasiotou paid a visit to the Holy Archdiocese of Australia headquarters in Sydney on Monday, March 4.

‘Proud moment for Hellenic cuisine’: Andrew Vourvahakis’ loukaniko named best in Australia

Andrew Vourvahakis' Andrew's Choice won big at the Australian Charcuterie Excellence Awards 2022, taking out two Championship Awards.

‘Respect the guidelines’: Archbishop Makarios’ message to faithful in Victoria

His Eminence Archbishop Makarios has issued a strong statement of support to the faithful in Victoria, asking them not to become "disillusioned."