Maitland councillors remain divided over a controversial and at times spiteful debate this week on whether or not to celebrate the city’s bicentenary.
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Council officers recommended that council does not officially take part in commemorations in 2018 for fear it would cause stress to the local Aboriginal community.
The issue was debated at length during Tuesday night’s council meeting with councillors Loretta Baker and Philip Penfold going head to head on the topic which split the council when it came to a vote.
In a report, council’s Marketing and Communications manager Rachel MacLucas said the bicentenary of European settlement represents a period of great sadness, distress and tragedy for Aboriginal people and any efforts to celebrate would be seen as a direct affront to their section of our community.
“To this end they have indicated that there is a high likelihood that there would be peaceful protests held during the commemorations,” Ms MacLucas said in her report.
In what was described as a wonderful and brave proposal, Cr Penfold moved an alternative motion for council to acknowledge that the bicentenary of European settlement of Maitland marks a significant occasion in the evolution of the city.
The motion also said that council take the leading role in commemorating the bicentenary and formally notify Mindaribba Aboriginal Land Council of the decision.
Cr Penfold’s motion also suggested council convey to Mindaribba Aboriginal Land Council its intention to mark the occasion. This would include acknowledgement of the wrongs of the past and encourage the land council to participate in the event.
The motion was carried seven votes to six.
Cr Baker told Fairfax Media after the meeting she will be lodging a rescission motion against the decision.
Cr Baker said she was disgusted with Cr Penfold’s motion and said Ms MacLucas’ recommendation suited both parties.
“You’re coming at this with you own preconceived prejudice and bias,” Cr Baker told Cr Penfold.
Cr Steve Procter backed Cr Penfold’s motion saying it was wonderful and brave.
“Some are afraid to put their hands up and I would like to think councillors are brave enough to support it,” Cr Procter said.
"I believe there will be a backlash but I don’t think we should walk away because we think there will be a peaceful protest. We should make the most of it and be proactive in what we can do to further this great city,” he said.
Cr Penfold said his motion was about bringing together two cultures and acknowledging the wrongs of the past.
“I understand that some in the community will see this differently to me but it is an opportunity for us all to come together,” Cr Penfold said.
“Let’s all work on our relationship and march forward together. I don’t see why this can’t be acknowledged by this council.”
At one stage councillor Penfold called on Mayor Peter Blackmore to put the motion to the vote “given the ugliness of the debate,” however councillors chose to continue.
“I’m disappointed to hear Cr Baker’s spiteful attack to make this personal and call me prejudice and bias. This is a disgusting attack,” Cr Penfold said.
“This is about trying to get people to come together. This is not about division.”