City of Yara councillors have voted to stop referring to January 26 as Australia Day and to cease holding any citizenship ceremonies on that day from 2018.

Moyne Shire mayor Jim Doukas said Australia Day celebrations would continue as normal in 2018.  

“It has never been discussed and I can’t speak for other councillors but I would be very surprised if Moyne went down that path,” Cr Doukas said.

“We celebrate Australia Day for a lot of reasons. In Moyne, it is a day when the community comes together to celebrate the efforts of its citizens, both young and old.”

Like Cr Doukas, Warrnambool City mayor Kylie Gaston said the issue had not been raised at the council table.

Cr Gaston said she would watch with interest at how the response to the Yarra Council’s decision played out.

She said she was acutely aware of the sensitives of Australia Day for the indigenous community.

“In Warrnambool, we are very lucky our indigenous community has been so gracious in their involvement in Australia Day celebrations,” Ms Gaston said.

“The indigenous community would be a major player in any future discussions that may be had around Australia Day.

“We do Australia Day celebrations well, I like the way they embrace our indigenous culture with those who came and settled here and for our new citizens as well.” 

Corangamite mayor Jo Beard said her council had not received any ratepayer requests suggesting change.