I solemnly swear that what you are about to read has been written by Kevin Hillier. I have not been kidnapped, nor have I been hit on the head by a random coconut on my holidays at the seaside resort of Inverloch. The following is from my own hand. Well, fingers.
Hats off to the Wyndham council who have refused to allow the 2018 Australia Day celebrations to be hijacked. That is a very gutsy stand given the current climate of political correctness.
Its press release stated: “Wyndham City Council recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Custodians of the lands on which Australia was founded. We are proud to welcome communities from all cultures and backgrounds to this event to celebrate our national pride and what it means to be Australian.”
No one is being excluded or forgotten, no one is being racially slurred or vilified, no one is being disadvantaged, and no one denied their heritage.
While I am sure there will be many who will find fault and expect Wyndham council to follow other local governments into abandoning any celebration of January 26, I applaud their plan.
In a sea of personal agendas, scheming political manipulation, ego driven ambition and plain old stupidity, this simple, transparent, almost folksy invitation shines like a beacon.
Live music, a kid’s zone, fireworks, food trucks, movies, classic cars, water slides … who doesn’t love all that stuff? And all to be enjoyed regardless of race, religion, sexual preference, political persuasion, socio economic or education standing. What a concept.
It is about time some of those in power and those who shape public opinion took off their serious pants for five minutes and appreciated what we have and celebrate it.
Good on you Wyndham council for leading the way. Happy Australia Day.
