The Sunshine Coast Australia Day Awards have been rebadged as the Sunshine Coast Biosphere – Community Awards, but not everyone is happy about it.
The council awards, which are now scheduled for mid-June next year, will celebrate the efforts and contributions of individuals, community organisations and businesses around the Coast.
Environment Portfolio Councillor Maria Suarez said the council wanted another way to celebrate the region’s status as a UNESCO Biosphere.
“What better way to celebrate our amazing region than by acknowledging the efforts of those people whose efforts uphold our unique Biosphere values and goals,” she said.
“The awards celebrate the achievement and contribution of everyday individuals and community organisations, and present real community examples of sustainability efforts and action in the community.
“In a domino effect, the stories of each nominee will no doubt inspire others to make positive contributions in the community.”
But Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace slammed the decision to discontinue the Australia Day Awards.
“This is the sort of woke nonsense that people would expect to see from inner-city Greens councillors that are driven by left ideology,” he said.
“I cannot believe Sunshine Coast councillors would be pursuing this path. If the Sunshine Coast Council can take no pride in Australia as a nation, then they should hang their heads in shame.”
Sunshine Coast News asked Sunshine Coast Council to comment on Mr Wallace calling the move “woke nonsense” but did not receive a direct response.
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A council spokesperson outlined the steps that were taken in making the changes.
“The opportunity to rebadge the awards was presented via two council workshops earlier this year with the decision made to progress, noting that there are other Australia Day initiatives delivered and supported by council and that the awards provide an opportunity to align with and promote our unique global Biosphere status,” they said.
“Feedback was sought from key stakeholders, internal and external to council.”
The spokesperson said the council supported Australia Day initiatives in other ways.
“Sunshine Coast Council is a proud host of its major Australia Day event: the Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony. On average, this event is attended by more than 250 recipients and their guests annually,” they said.
They said the council also funded community events via its grants process, which in 2024 included Rotary Club of Buderim Incorporated’s Australia Day Picnic in the Park and Belli Community Hall Association’s Australia Day Breakfast.
“Community organisations are encouraged to apply for the Festive and Commemorative Events grants annually to celebrate Australia Day in a way that reflects their community’s aspirations,” the spokesperson said.
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Mr Wallace said if a Coalition Government was in power, he would recommend that the council be stripped of its power and responsibility to undertake citizenship ceremonies.
“A council that is so embarrassed by our Australian heritage should not have the power to induct new citizens,” he said.
Mr Wallace urged councillors who voted either for or against the proposal to publicly indicate their stance, so voters at the local government elections in March could be properly informed.
“This raises the question once again with Sunshine Coast Council whether the bureaucrats are running the council or whether the councillors are running the council. Is the tail wagging the dog in Sunshine Coast Council?” he said.
The categories for the Sunshine Coast Biosphere – Community Awards are: Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Senior Citizen of the Year, Community – group or organisation, Creative Arts Award, Healthy People Award (sport, recreation, health and wellbeing), Healthy Planet (environmental stewardship) and Biosphere Business of the Year.
“If you know of a person, community organisation or business making a difference in our Sunshine Coast community, celebrate their efforts by nominating them today,” Cr Suarez said.
Entries can be completed online via council’s website. Nominations close on April 30, 2024.
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