A motion to reinstate citizenship ceremonies and council endorsed events on Australia Day in the Surf Coast Shire has failed.
New Torquay Ward Councillor Rebecca Burke brought forward the motion at a packed meeting on Tuesday night to bring back celebrations on January 26.
It was widely expected the motion would pass, until a last minute decision from Winchelsea ward Councillor Tony Phelps to vote in favour of an alternate motion from former Mayor Liz Pattison.
Cr Burke’s motion eventually failing four votes to five, while Ms Pattison’s motion to see council advocate to the federal government to change the date of Australia Day passed.
The move goes against that of the neighbouring City of Greater Geelong, which last month voted in favour of a return to Australia Day traditions.
The vote for Geelong locals will come into effect from January 26 next year, after the City voted to scrap celebrations last year.
