Regional NSW Council Reverses Flag Ban Proposal Amid Public Outcry
The Federation Council in Corowa, New South Wales, has abandoned its plan to prohibit the display of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags after receiving nearly 700 submissions overwhelmingly criticising the move. The proposal, initially floated by Mayor Cheryl Cook in November as part of amendments to the council's Aboriginal and Torres Strait protocols, also sought to restrict welcome to country ceremonies unless approved by a formal council resolution.
Overwhelming Public Opposition Forces Council Retreat
During community consultation, the council received 884 public submissions, with a staggering 78% opposing the flag ban. Only 100 submissions, or 11.5%, supported the idea. Notably, most submissions came from outside the region, but among local ratepayers, 84% (266 submissions) were against the policy, while 16% (44 submissions) were in favour.
One submission poignantly argued, "Removing the flags doesn't stop racism, it rewards it," highlighting concerns that such a move could exacerbate racial tensions. Another local resident shared a personal story of growing up in Corowa with limited exposure to First Nations culture, which led to intergenerational racist attitudes they later worked to overcome.
Divisive Council Meeting and Procedural Quirks
A rowdy council meeting in Urana resulted in a split vote, with four councillors supporting the flag removal and three opposing. Councillor Derek Shoen abstained, instead proposing an alternative motion to prioritise finalising the council's reconciliation action plan (RAP) with Wiradjuri and Bangerang traditional owners. Shoen criticised the initial flag installation as lacking due process, calling it "tokenism" since the flags were only displayed inside chambers rather than on external flagpoles.
"I think the places for flags are out the front on the poles. That's where flags should be flown, not in the chamber," Shoen stated, noting that traditional owners had expressed feeling welcomed by the flag's presence.
Despite Shoen's motion passing five to four, the flags were temporarily removed due to a procedural technicality—there had never been a formal resolution certifying their installation. This decision comes 18 months after 50 neo-Nazis marched through Corowa, adding a layer of historical context to the debate.
Mayor Defends Proposal Amid Growing Tensions
Mayor Cheryl Cook defended the original proposal, stating it aimed to unite the community under "one sovereign emblem" and reflected feedback from ratepayers. She acknowledged that while many viewed flying the Australian, Aboriginal, and Torres Strait Islander flags together as "united and respectful," others saw it as "divisive and contentious."
Cook emphasised, "It's impossible to please 100% of the people, 100% of the time," underscoring the challenges of balancing diverse community perspectives. The meeting was abruptly cut short after public gallery members chanted "shame" and "stolen land" during her remarks, illustrating the heightened emotions surrounding the issue.
Path Forward: Reconciliation and Community Healing
The council's shift in focus towards developing a comprehensive reconciliation action plan signals a potential path forward for addressing Indigenous representation and inclusivity. This incident highlights ongoing struggles in regional Australia to navigate cultural recognition, with implications for local governance and social cohesion.
