City of Ballarat will continue to review its approach to Australia Day, including the fireworks, to ensure events in Ballarat are conducted respectfully and recognise January 26 is a traumatic day for many.
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It was a day of strong emotions in Ballarat on Sunday, marking the anniversary of the First Fleet's arrival in Port Jackson and what many see as the beginning of colonial oppression.
The solemn mood at Ballarat's first Survival Day dawn ceremony contrasted with feelings of excitement and celebration at Lake Wendouree during the fireworks display.
The decision to retain the fireworks on January 26 remained controversial, with protesters and some councillors describing it as disrespectful to bushfire victims and the Aboriginal community.
However both council and Aboriginal leaders said this year's recognition of Australia Day in Ballarat signified a 'big step forward' in acknowledging it as both a national day and a day of mourning.
What we can do is take the opportunity to more fully understand the implications of holding Australia Day on January 26 when it continues to cause hurt.
- Justine Linley, City of Ballarat CEO
More than 1000 people gathered for Ballarat's first Survival Day Ceremony, the Aboriginal flag on Sturt Street flew at half-mast and there was a Welcome to Country and one minute silence at the citizenship ceremony.
City of Ballarat Mayor Cr Ben Taylor said it was important to continue to work to find a balance that acknowledged and listened to the views of the community.
"We need to look at diversity across the whole city," he said.
"We're going to have people having barbecues and having a great time celebrating Australia Day in their own way, or not celebrating Australia Day, so it is a matter of how we find that balance as a council."
Protests were held across the country to challenge the Australia Day date.
City of Ballarat chief executive Justine Linley said federal government was responsible for setting the date and council would hold citizenship ceremonies on this day.
Ms Linley said council was conscious of understanding and acknowledging what January 26 meant to different people.
"We want to be able to wholeheartedly celebrate a national day for all Australians," she said.
"We want to celebrate on a day when all Australians can participate.
"We will still keep doing that respectfully while the federal government has stipulated January 26 is our national day. But at the same time we recognise there is hurt and there is a difference of opinion that impacts on the potentially marginal people in our community."
While council is not able to change the date of Australia Day, councillors can vote to reschedule next year's fireworks display.
Ms Linley said she had made a recommendation to council to reschedule the fireworks, as she did not believe they should be held during the fire season.
Fireworks originally scheduled for Melbourne and Geelong were cancelled.
"I will always be advocating and will continue to advocate to our councillors that they reconsider holding fireworks events in summer," she said.
"What else might happen on January 26 in terms of ceremonies or activities is up to councillors and the council to decide."
Despite the controversy, thousands of people gathered around Lake Wendouree to enjoy the fireworks display.
Cathy Watson travelled from Wagga Wagga to visit her family in Ballarat this weekend and watch the fireworks.
Her sister Judy Armstrong and brother-in-law Geoff Armstrong said they had been to the fireworks before but had missed the past few years.
When asked their thoughts about the ongoing fireworks debate, Ms Armstrong said she believed it was right the decision to go ahead as planned.
"I think the fireworks should happen. It gives people a lot of pleasure," she said.
"The grandkids have been talking about it all day," Ms Watson said.
Ballarat residents Chris Cornish and Tania Haddon said the fireworks should continue on Australia Day in years to come.
"The amount of people here tonight shows that," Ms Haddon said.
"It is good to get together and celebrate being Australian. Not all countries have the chance to do that in peace."
"It is a chance to get together and feel the community spirit. It is good to see so many children having fun," Mr Cornish said.
"It is something that draws everyone close together and is a good opportunity to raise funds for the bushfire relief."
Looking forward, Ms Linley and Cr Taylor said City of Ballarat would continue to meet with the Koorie Engagement Action Group to discuss treaty, the delivery of the Reconciliation Action Plan and January 26.
Ms Linley said the love and compassion the people of Ballarat showed on Sunday was a positive foundation to build on for future Australia Day commemorations.
"For such a significant number of people in Ballarat to turn up on a Sunday morning to show their support and understanding, and willingness to have an open mind is really important for Ballarat and I would hope that continues. Next January 26, if that is how the day starts I would be really pleased," she said.
Ms Linley said she believed other events had shown the right 'balance', with a Welcome to Country and one minute silence included during the citizenship ceremony.
"What we can do is take the opportunity to more fully understand the implications of holding Australia Day on January 26 when it continues to cause hurt," she said.
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