A bold decision by a regional council in New South Wales has sparked controversy and divided opinions. In a move that aimed for unity, the council voted to remove the Aboriginal flag, but it has instead ignited a passionate debate about representation and history.
Deep in the heart of Bangerang country, along the majestic Murray River, lies a story of resilience and cultural significance. Kevin Atkinson, an elder of the Bangerang people, shares a profound connection to this land, rooted in the red gums that line the river. He believes that a recent decision by the local council to remove the Aboriginal flag is not just a symbolic act but a move that erases a vital part of their history.
"If they want us to respect their history, they must do the same for ours," Kevin asserts. "True unity comes from walking together, not going in separate directions."
Bangerang country spans across the Murray River, encompassing parts of northeast Victoria and the southern Riverina in New South Wales. One of the prominent towns on the NSW side is Corowa, known as the birthplace of federation due to its historical significance in hosting a conference that led to the formation of the Australian Commonwealth in 1901. This rich history is proudly showcased by the local shire, named the Federation Council.
However, in November, the Federation Council made a controversial decision. They voted to remove the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags from inside council chambers and instead fly only the Australian flag on all flagpoles within the shire. The council did commit to flying the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags during Naidoc and Reconciliation weeks on "available flagpoles."
The proposed changes were outlined in a draft document titled "Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Protocols." It also suggested replacing welcome to country ceremonies at council events with an acknowledgment of country, which does not require the presence of a traditional owner.
The motion passed by a narrow margin, with five votes in favor and four against.
As Guardian Australia visited Corowa, just a week before January 26th, the town was adorned with Australian flags hanging limply in the summer heat. Flagpoles proudly displayed the national flag in many front yards, but not a single Aboriginal flag could be seen.
Cheryl Cook, the mayor of Corowa, defends the proposed changes, stating that they were driven by a desire to return to standardized civic protocols. She believes the Australian flag serves as the primary symbol of unity for all residents, regardless of their background.
"By focusing on the national flag in the chambers, the council aims to represent the shire as a single, cohesive community under one sovereign emblem," she explains.
Cook also justifies the changes to welcome to country ceremonies as a measure to ensure transparency and fiscal responsibility in the allocation of ratepayer funds.
In practice, the changes may seem minimal. The council did not regularly fly the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags on public flagpoles, and welcome to country ceremonies were not a common occurrence at most council events.
But for the Bangerang and Wiradjuri people, who share custodianship of the region, this proposal feels like a dismissal of their history and cultural significance.
The electorate of Farrer, which includes Corowa and is represented by the federal opposition leader, Sussan Ley, recorded a resounding 75% no vote in the failed referendum to establish a constitutionally enshrined Indigenous voice to parliament. In Corowa's three polling booths, the no vote ranged from 73% to 77%.
A year later, a disturbing incident occurred when a group of masked individuals marched under a neo-Nazi banner through the town center.
Joanne Atkinson, a Bangerang and Wiradjuri woman and Kevin's first cousin, sees the decision to exclusively fly the Australian flag as a consequence of the failed referendum.
"Australia has become a melting pot, and I think the issue is recognizing others without erasing or disrespecting our people," she says.
Cook responds by emphasizing that acknowledging the region's deep agricultural heart does not diminish the history of others. Her comments on a shared Australian identity reflect the sentiments of many residents who wish to focus on what unites them as citizens of one nation.
"While we understand that some members of the Bangerang and Wiradjuri communities may feel differently, the council's role is to represent the feedback and identity of the constituency as a whole," she adds.
Councillor David Harrison, one of the four who voted against the draft proposal, expresses concern about the town's reputation.
"I can understand how Corowa is now associated with neo-Nazi marches and flag removals. We need to draw a line and show that this is not what our community stands for," he says.
This stretch of the Murray River holds a special place in Aboriginal political history. Cummeragunja Aboriginal mission, where Sir Doug Nicholls, a Yorta Yorta man, was born, is just a short distance away. Many Bangerang people were relocated to Cummeragunja in the 1930s when the Lake Moodemere Aboriginal reserve was shut down.
Lake Moodemere, situated across the river from Corowa near the Victorian town of Wahgunyah, was a refuge for Bangerang people and other tribes seeking protection from colonial disruptions. When they were moved by the state almost a century ago, it left Corowa without an apparent Indigenous population.
"There were Indigenous people there, but they were not encouraged to stay," Kevin Atkinson explains. "The history of Indigenous camping grounds along the river is undeniable."
While some residents of Corowa express concerns about aging infrastructure, the vast majority of those interviewed by Guardian Australia disagree with the council's proposal. Out of over 35 people asked, only one supported the decision.
"I think the council needs to provide more information to the community about the reasons behind this decision," says Danielle, a local woman. "Everyone has the right to be represented, and the Aboriginal flag deserves its place alongside the Australian flag."
Ethan Williams, a Wiradjuri man and chairperson for the Southern West Yiradyuri Clans Land, Water, and Sky Country Aboriginal Corporation, wrote to Cook in late November to express his deep concern and opposition to the proposed changes.
In a statement, Williams emphasized the inherent rights and ongoing obligations of traditional owners to care for their country and ensure the strength of their culture, languages, and stories for future generations.
"We must speak up when symbols and decisions in our region impact how First Nations peoples are perceived, respected, and included in civic life," he added.
The draft of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander protocols document was open for public exhibition and submissions until December 24, 2025. The council will now consider these public submissions before the proposal is voted on again in March.
This story is a reminder that symbols and protocols carry weight and can spark passionate debates. What do you think about the council's decision? Is it a step towards unity or a dismissal of cultural significance? We invite you to share your thoughts and engage in a respectful discussion in the comments below.
