A regional NSW council voted to remove the Aboriginal flag to promote ‘unity’ – it did the opposite | Indigenous Australians

A decision by the Federation Council in New South Wales to limit the display of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags has sparked concern among local Indigenous elders, who say it diminishes recognition of their history and culture.

‘A symbol of unity’

Corowa Mayor Cheryl Cook said the proposed changes to flag protocols were driven by a desire for standardization and that the Australian flag “served as the primary symbol of unity” for all residents. She also stated changes to welcome to country ceremonies were to ensure “transparency and fiscal responsibility.”

The Federation Council voted in November to remove the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags from inside council chambers and to exclusively fly the Australian flag on all flagpoles within the shire, with a commitment to display the Indigenous flags during Naidoc and Reconciliation weeks.

The motion also proposed restricting welcome to country ceremonies to those “approved by an adopted council resolution,” and instead relying on an acknowledgment of country – which does not require a traditional owner’s presence.

Bangerang elder Kevin Atkinson said the decision removes history from view. “If they want (Aboriginal) people to respect them and their history, they gotta do the same to us,” he said. “That’s the way that you move forward together, instead of two different groups going in two different directions.”

Bangerang country spans the Murray River, encompassing parts of north-east Victoria and southern New South Wales. Corowa, a town on the NSW side, is known as the birthplace of federation, having hosted a conference in 1893 that led to the formation of the Australian commonwealth in 1901.

Councillor David Harrison, who voted against the proposal, expressed concern about the town’s reputation, noting recent events such as a march by masked people displaying neo-Nazi banners. “I can understand how someone can see it cascading,” he said. “We need to draw a line here and say that this is not what our community is about.”

‘The history is there’

The area along the Murray River holds significant historical importance for Aboriginal people. Cummeragunja Aboriginal mission, the birthplace of Yorta Yorta man Sir Doug Nicholls, is located 140km away, and many Bangerang people were relocated there in the 1930s after the closure of Lake Moodemere Aboriginal reserve.

Lake Moodemere, near Corowa, served as a refuge for Bangerang and other tribes from colonial disruption. Its closure resulted in a diminished Indigenous presence in Corowa.

Joanne Atkinson, a Bangerang and Wiradjuri woman, believes the decision to prioritize the Australian flag is a “ripple effect” of the failed referendum on an Indigenous voice to parliament. The electorate of Farrer, which includes Corowa, recorded a 75% no vote in the October 2023 referendum.

A draft of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander protocols document was available for public submission until December 24, 2025. The council will consider the submissions before a final vote in March 2026.

Wiradjuri man and chairperson for the Southern West Yiradyuri Clans Land, Water and Sky Country Aboriginal Corporation, Ethan Williams, stated that traditional owners have “inherent and ongoing rights and obligation to care for country” and to ensure their culture remains strong for future generations.