‘Day of mourning’: Alice Springs mayor Asta Hill pulls out of Australia Day ceremonies

The mayor of Alice Springs has pulled out of official Australia Day ceremonies over concern the national holiday harms part of the community.

Asta Hill said she would not participate in formalities on January 26 this year, citing it was not the right date to celebrate the national day.

Ms Hill said while it was a privilege to witness the joy and pride people felt becoming Australian citizens, deputy mayor Allison Bitar would conduct citizenship awards and ceremonies on the day.

“Citizenship ceremonies are one of the highlights of my role as mayor,” Ms Hill said in a statement

“However, like a growing number of Australians, it is my personal view that the 26 January is not the right date to celebrate our national day.

“January 26 means a range of different things to people across our community.

“For many First Nations people, this is a day of mourning.

“While I do not intend to stand in the way of others’ celebrations, I do not personally want to play a formal role on a day that causes harm to parts of our community.

“I welcome respectful conversations about this matter and am committed to exploring how we can move forward with respect and inclusivity in the future.”

Ms Hill is Alice Springs’ first Greens-endorsed mayor and was elected in September last year.

Northern Territory MP Robyn Lambley told the ABC the mayor’s decision was “disgraceful.”

Ms Lambley said the mayor traditionally presided over Australia Day ceremonies in Alice Springs, and that Ms Hill had failed to read the room.

“She (Ms Hill) is making the wrong call,” she said.

“She is probably not aware that recent research by the Australian Institute of Public Affairs states that 76 per cent of Australians now support Australia Day,” Ms Lambley said.