Strathfield Council Covers Up Indigenous Tributes on Entry Signs
A Sydney council's decision to cover up Indigenous acknowledgement on entry signs has sparked community concern. The signs, which cost $400,000, feature the phrase "Always was, always will be Wangal Country" in recognition of the area's First Nations community.
Controversy is brewing in Strathfield over a decision by the local council to cover up sections of its entry signs that pay tribute to the area's traditional owners. The signs, which cost $400,000 to install, feature the phrase "Always was, always will be Wangal Country" in recognition of the area's First Nations community.
The council has commissioned a report into alternative signage options, with designs and estimated costings to be presented in the first quarter of 2027. In the meantime, the Indigenous statements on all six signs have been covered up, with council staff in the process of replacing the coverings.
Councillor Criticizes Original Signage
Councillor John-Paul Baladi, who moved the motion to cover up the Indigenous statements, described the original signage as "subpar".
"I think they have political language on them," he said. "I think they reflect poorly, to be honest, on Strathfield Council, so I think we should plan for something bigger, bolder and better."
Cr Baladi stated that he was acting on complaints from residents, saying "many residents" had complained about the "overpriced and divisive" signs.
Community Reaction
However, not all councillors agree with Cr Baladi's decision. Councillor Rory Nosworthy has petitioned against the decision, gathering over 300 signatures online.
"It sends the message that perhaps we're not as welcoming and progressive as residents thought we were," he said. "I think this is kind of a step backwards in the journey towards reconciliation … it's disappointing."
A council spokesperson said no complaints about the original signage had been received, and the council was not aware of any consultation with the Indigenous community about the decision to cover the signs.
Separate Motion on Foreign Language Signs
In a separate motion, Councillor Esther Kim pushed for local businesses to display English translations of foreign language signs. Cr Baladi later clarified that the motion was not a ban on foreign languages on local signs.
The council's decision to cover up the Indigenous statements has sparked concern among community members, with some calling it a step backwards in reconciliation efforts.