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Rotary steps in to help Sunbury and surrounding residents are invited to apply for grants through the Rotary Club of Sunbury Sports and Recreation Foundation. Since its inception in 1972, Sunbury Rotary has assisted young people in their pursuit of excellence through the foundation. Irish dancer Olivia, 13, is the latest recipient of a $500 grant, which helped her to attend an International Irish Dancing competition in Nashville, Tennessee. Sunbury Rotary member Terry Grant said the foundation has assisted many residents attend various sports and recreation events. “The Sports and Recreation Foundation [has] supported young folk in their endeavours … by offering donations that assist the people with their travel expenses,” he said. “Should there be any other young folk seeking to further their particular field please do not hesitate to contact us on our website.” Olivia also competed at a national competition on August 19 and 20, in Glenroy. Following this success, Olivia was invited to attend a competition in Glasgow, Scotland. Details: https://www. rotaryclubsunbury.org.au/ Zoe Moffatt
Olivia, 13, received a grant from Sunbury Rotary for Irish dancing. (Damjan Janevski) 354688_03
Redefining January 26 By Zoe Moffatt Macedon Ranges council is redefining its relationship with January 26, and will not host events on that day next year, following a heated debate on the topic. At its meeting on August 23, council voted to hold the annual community awards and citizenship ceremony on January 25, and to increase the Australia Day grants program funding cap to $1000. Council said the three Traditional Owner Countries that are located in Macedon Ranges council area indicated
100 per cent support for changing the date of Australia Day in a City of Melbourne survey. Councillor Geoff Neil passionately argued against the motion and said he may not be “woke”, but he has “woken up”. “On the 26th of January, 1949 Australian nationality came into existence when the Nationality and Citizenship Act of 1948 was enacted. This was the day we were first called Australians,” he said. “The act… gives Australians old and new the right to live under the protection of Australian law united as one nation.
Mary-Anne Thomas MP Member for Macedon 12589601-HC35-23
“We just want to destroy our own history… I may not be woke, but I have woken up and I do not like what I can see.” Cr Jennifer Anderson spoke for the motion and said people in the community have said to her that they do not want the citizens ceremony to be held on January 26. “Change is always difficult and sometimes it’s more difficult for some people than others,” she said. “More and more people are saying [they] want a date that’s not on the Australian Day holiday because for them, they feel they want
to be part of an Australia that embraces all Australians. “We don’t forget history, we don’t throw it out, history is history, we learn as we go and we learn to be inclusive. “First Nations people in the Macedon Ranges… have told us that they feel uncomfortable and do not want to take part in anything that occurs on January 26.” Cr Rob Guthrie, Cr Anderson, mayor Annette Death, Cr Mark Ridgeway and Cr Janet Pearce voted for the motion. Cr Neil and Cr Dominic Bonanno voted against.