ON October 14, 2023, Australians were crystal clear when asked whether we should be divided by race.
People voted down the Voice referendum.
The referendum was not a rejection, but an affirmation of every Australian’s right to be heard, right to have a say – and of every Australian’s equal right to a voice.
More than 12 months on and there’s still those out there that seek to divide.
Australian Venue Co made an announcement last week that it was banning Australia Day celebrations.
The nation’s second-biggest pubs group, informed managers there would be no celebrating or acknowledging of the day at their premises in 2025.
After immediate backlash, the foreign-owned business was quick to walk back it’s words.
Their immediate retreat spoke volumes. They “sincerely” regretted any offence caused. But they haven’t exactly overturned the ban.
“Our purpose is to reinforce community in our venues, not divide it,” a nameless spokesperson said.
Seemingly, as soon as the ‘b’ word was used and the reality of lost earnings became apparent, tunes changed a tad.
Far be it from me to suggest a boycott of Australian Venue Co businesses, but…
They own four establishments in Forde I know of: Club Hotel Waterford, Fitzy’s Waterford, Beenleigh Tavern, and Fitzy’s Loganholme.
I’d just maybe suggest that Beenleigh RSL & Golf Club, River Road Tavern, Park Ridge Tavern, Ormeau’s Shearer’s Arms, Eagle Tavern, Wattle Hotel or ANY other local pub, club or tavern might be more appreciative of your Australia Day bookings.
I echo some of the words spoken by our Opposition Leader, Peter Dutton, in recent days.
“We’re not a perfect country,” he said. “We don’t have a perfect history, but what we should do is gather together on days of national significance, like Australia Day, like Anzac Day and celebrate what we have.”
In the past two and a half years, or so, our country has had weak leadership.
Weak leadership that has funnily enough coincided with the rise of societal division, antisemitism and extremism.
We need to wrestle back the country we know and love and celebrate the fact that we get to call the greatest country on earth our home. Don’t let a business tell you otherwise.
