Mornington Peninsula Shire Council in Victoria has sparked controversy after distributing a kindergarten flyer featuring the Aboriginal flag, Torres Strait Islander flag, and LGBTQ+ Progress Pride flag, but omitting the Australian national flag. The flyer, which encourages parents to enrol children for kindergarten in 2026, drew criticism from residents who felt the omission was disrespectful.
One resident shared an image of the flyer on social media, writing: 'Apparently the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council no longer consider us Australian.' Another commented: 'Wow! A new low! We should call and ask about our responsibility for rates as Australians!' Others questioned the need for any flags on the flyer.
Local councillor Cam Williams addressed the backlash, stating the council 'didn't know it went out like that, we are trying to rectify it.' Council mayor Anthony Marsh said he was unaware of the flyer until the social media response and confirmed that going forward, the Australian flag will be included in all council publications and materials where flags appear.
Despite the outcry, some residents felt the issue was overblown, with one commenting that the council should not be co-opted by 'a minority of annoyed voices who read far more into this than needed.'
