BREAKING: Albury Council has just announced a controversial decision to combine the Albury Awards with Australia Day celebrations, igniting backlash from community leaders. Mayor Kevin Mack cast the deciding vote to merge the events at Noreuil Park on January 26, despite pleas from 2025 Citizen of the Year Richard Hendrie and 2024 Young Citizen of the Year Isaac Kunde to keep the awards separate on January 25.
The decision, made during a heated council meeting on October 27, has raised urgent concerns about inclusivity for Indigenous communities. Hendrie, a prominent mental health advocate, emphasized the need for a more considerate approach, stating, “Having the awards on Australia Day would not be inclusive of those who have suffered disenfranchisement, pain and suffering.” He urged the council to foster an environment where everyone feels comfortable participating in the awards.
Kunde, who has Indigenous heritage, echoed these sentiments, arguing that aligning the awards with Australia Day could alienate First Nations community members. He stated, “Unless the benefit that would come from aligning the awards with the 26th of January is greater than the known harm, you must fulfill your responsibility and maintain the separation.”
However, financial constraints played a significant role in the council’s decision. Mayor Mack cited potential savings of $25,000 to $30,000 by combining the events, which collectively cost the council $80,000 this year. “It’s a fiscal issue for me… It’s about demonstrating leadership,” said Mack, underscoring his commitment to budget management.
The decision faced opposition from several council members, including Deputy Mayor Jess Kellahan and Councillor Kylie King, who advocated for retaining the standalone awards ceremony. King, who previously presided over the separate Albury Awards, highlighted the importance of recognizing the efforts of local volunteers, stating, “It’s just been a wonderful way to say thank you to those dwindling volunteers that do so much.”
As the community grapples with this decision, the implications for civic participation and recognition of local achievements hang in the balance. The merge of these events is not just a logistical change; it has profound implications for community unity and the representation of Indigenous voices.
Officials and community leaders now look to the future, with heightened scrutiny on how the council will manage these events moving forward. Stay tuned for more updates as this situation develops and the council’s next steps become clear.
