An Adelaide council has reversed its decision to move Australia Day events away from January 26 after a survey found residents supported keeping ceremonies on the public holiday.
The City of Unley voted 7-5 in September last year to hold citizenship ceremonies on January 25, after the federal government gave councils the option to hold events before or after the public holiday.
But on Monday, the council said Unley members voted 8-4 to reinstate Australia Day citizenship and awards ceremonies to January 26 in light of the survey results.
A poll conducted by the council from July to August found that 60 per cent of residents surveyed — or 510 people — thought citizenship and awards ceremonies should be held on January 26.
The council said about 72 per cent of respondents expressed their desire for a community event, with 80 per cent of those people wanting it be held on January 26.
Unley Mayor Michael Hewitson told ABC Radio Adelaide that three members changed their mind at the meeting to support holding events on the public holiday.
"You had people who saw it as celebrating Invasion Day and you had three members who changed to support the community … who actually would have supported the other side," Mr Hewitson said.
The mayor said he was keen to have an independent firm conduct the survey but that it was going to cost $20,000.
"In doing council budgets, it didn't make the cut. I do believe there was no stacking or ranting and raving with this one and I think the result was pretty reflective of the community," he said.
He said Monday's debate was "deep and meaningful" and members exchanged their thoughts about what Australia Day meant to them.
"Even when Australia Day was designated by the Commonwealth government — which by the way also came into some flack last night — but hoisting the decisions onto the local government when the date of Australia Day is a Commonwealth national decision."
"We appreciate the feedback from all those who participated in the consultation, and while we recognise that not everyone will agree with this outcome, we believe it reflects the majority sentiment of our community," Mr Hewitson later said in a statement.
