Council defends its use of the Australian flag
Central Coast Council has defended its use of the Australian flag, despite the fact it did not display banners featuring the flag for Australia Day in West St, Umina.
However, council general manager Mr David Farmer has defended the move saying: "Council has not stated that it will not be flying the Australian Flag on Australia Day.
"The banners that line West St in Umina commemorate 100 years of Ocean Beach Surf Club; a significant milestone that acknowledges Ocean Beach Surf Club's contributions to the community for the last century."
He said Council did fly the Australian Flag on Australia Day, and "proudly displays the Australian Flag at the Wyong administration building year-round, alongside the Australian Aboriginal Flag, Torres Strait Islander Flag, New South Wales State Flag and the Central Coast Council Flag.
"Council has an annual program of installing banners in our town centres," Mr Farmer said. "These banners comprise of various designs which acknowledge some significant national occasions, including Anzac Day and Naidoc Week;
"They acknowledge and support significant local occasions and events, including Ocean Beach Surf Club Centenary;
"They support local businesses, including Council's Buy Local campaign;
"They also celebrate our towns' unique identities using bright colours and the town's name.
"Council recognises the historical significance of Australia Day, and delivers annual, inclusive events that invite the whole community to come together.
"Unfortunately, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Council's 2022 Australia Day events at The Entrance foreshore and Woy Woy foreshore were cancelled due to public safety concerns."
SOURCE:
Media release, 25 Jan 2022
David Farmer, Central Coast Council