The Indigenous flag is unlikely to be flown outside the Millicent council chambers on a daily basis for the immediate future.
Wattle Range Council has long had a policy to fly the Indigenous flag only at special times such as NAIDOC Week.
The policy has been queried by local resident Joseph Thornton and his correspondence was tabled at the November monthly council meeting.
“Does Wattle Range Council not recognise the First Nations people?” asked Mr Thornton.
The agenda included three pages explaining the protocols associated with flying the Indigenous flag and others.
Mayor Des Noll said he was a strong advocate for Wattle Range Council flying the Indigenous flag on a permanent basis.
However, after a brief debate, the meeting took no further action other than to receive and note the contents of Mr Thornton’s correspondence.
Councillor Dale Price suggested five flag poles might be needed for the Australian national flag, Indigenous flag, Torres Strait Islander flag, State flag and Wattle Range Council flag.
According to Cr Dean Burrow, the protocols permitted the hanging of flags on walls.
Cr Kevin McGrath said there were copyright issues associated with the Indigenous flag while Cr John Drew suggested the matter could be re-examined after the new council offices were built.
Speaking to The SE Voice after the meeting, Mayor Noll said he was disappointed with the outcome and was likely to bring the issue back to another council meeting.
