As Australia Day looms, the debate around whether or not Australia Day should be moved rages on.
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A number of alternative dates have been proposed, but not all on the Mid North Coast are keen on the idea.
In a poll done by the Port Macquarie News, over 68 percent of people said that they favour a date change but on Facebook, overwhelmingly, people were against changing the date with many wanting to acknowledge the past but saying we should move forward united.
Caesy Ann Ohara said “Stay, the 26th will always be Australia Day to me” while Jan Crouch said “We are celebrating being Australians, lets just unite as a nation. We can’t change the past but we can change the future, lets just all move on and be united.”
Natalie Nosworthy said “Why change the date? Reflect and mark the solemnity of the past and embrace how far we have come and celebrate the way of life we lead now.”
Kerry Murray said “No it is a day to celebrate being Australian, remember why we can celebrate the day and the sacrifice that was made by Australians to give us this day.”
Our political representatives also weighed in on the conversation with Member for Cowper, Luke Hartsuyker saying January 26 has been and should continue to be a day for us to all come together and celebrate what makes us Australian.
“Australia Day is our national day and unites Australians—where we reflect on our achievements, what we are proud of and what defines us as a nation,” Mr Hartsuyker said.
“On the 26 January our communities come together and celebrate what is great about Australia and being Australian, with the shared aim of making Australia an even better place for the future.”
Member for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams also said she has spoken to members of the Hastings public and in her opinion the date should not change.
“I’ve spoken to many local people in our community and the overwhelming view is that it should not be changed,” Mrs Williams said.
“In September 2017 I wrote to Port Macquarie-Hastings Council seeking clarification on their position relative to Australia Day activities and I am very pleased to say they have confirmed they have no current plans to make any changes.”
To have your say, head to our website and vote in our poll before midday on January 23.
