Greater Shepparton City Council will continue investigating the idea of an avenue of flags to recognise the Indigenous, migrant and refugee communities which call Greater Shepparton home.
A report outlining the initial work undertaken by Council to progress this idea, including to consider the purpose, community engagement, flag selection, potential locations, risks and cost estimates was noted at the September Council Meeting, with Councillors voting to conduct further work on the project.
The report acknowledged Greater Shepparton's diverse community, with 17.4 per cent of residents born overseas, with the proposed avenue of flags providing a location for residents and visitors to celebrate their identity and culture. The report also acknowledged the initial community consultation undertaken, which suggested there is some support for this type of recognition for multicultural communities.
Under the Australian Flag Protocol, specific permission to fly a recognised flag is not required. Nonetheless, Council will write to relevant embassies to seek their interest in engaging with the avenue of flags in the form of a formal visit or financial co-contribution.
The report, noted at Tuesday's Council Meeting, addressed the need for in-depth consultation with multicultural communities to understand their perspectives on the display of relevant national flags. It also acknowledged the option for a community flagpole which would allow residents to use the site to lower and raise their flags on days of national significance.
"At the April 2023 Council Meeting, Councillors resolved to receive a report to seek endorsement of an avenue of flags in an appropriate location," Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali said.
"This report was noted at the September Council Meeting and Councillors resolved to take further steps for this project, including conducting further community consultation and considering alternative ways to recognise the region's multicultural communities.
"Council will now write to the relevant embassies to seek engagement and financial support to achieve this project, as there is currently no funding allocated. The outcome of this will help us determine next steps."
The report noted at Tuesday's meeting stated that alternative options would be considered, including an artwork or mural, a community flagpole or a dedicated community space as a location for celebrating identity and culture.
"This report was the first steps in investigating this project," Cr Sali said.
"Further work will now be undertaken by Council to determine whether an avenue of flags is the most appropriate option, and if not, how else we can best acknowledge and recognise the diverse multicultural community we have in Greater Shepparton."
