Cr Loretta Baker had called on councillors to support her in a rescission motion which recommended that council does not officially take part in commemorations in 2018 for fear it would cause stress to the local Aboriginal community.

Her aim was to quash a motion by Cr Philip Penfold passed two weeks ago which called on 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 was carried six votes to seven.

In a report to the meeting earlier this month, 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.

Acting Mindaribba Local Aboriginal Land Council CEO Tara Dever called on councillors at this week’s meeting to overturn Cr Penfold’s motion.

“The original motion proposed by council officers was a chance to showcase that we have become a city of forward thinkers,” Ms Dever said.

“A community led by people who accept all peoples and their histories as a part of the very fibre of Maitland.

“Mindaribba LALC was never against the community of Maitland participating in a bicentennial event,” she said.

During debate the council's newly elected deputy mayor Cr Ken Wethered said he now supported Cr Baker’s motion despite supporting Cr Penfold at the last meeting. He said he changed his mind after some long discussions with Cr Baker and after some in depth research.