Source : Perth Now news
A NSW council that made headlines for requiring businesses to include English on their signs has sparked controversy again – for similar reasons.
Strathfield Council has recently passed a motion calling for all Indigenous culture references to be removed from its gateway signs.
Tabled by Liberal councillor John-Paul Baladi, the move has already seen existing signs taped over to remove what he described as “political language”.
Previously, the signs read: “Always was, always will be, Wangal Country” – in reference to the Wangal people Aboriginal clan and the recognised traditional custodians of Sydney’s inner west.
Now however, these words are covered in black tape, following a motion agreed to at a meeting of the council earlier this week.
“I think the current signage are subpar and have political language on them. I think they are in awkward locations and I think they reflect poorly on Strathfield Council,” Mr Baladi said during the meeting.
“I think we should plan for something bigger, bolder and better.”
The move, however, is already attracting criticism and a petition has been lodged urging the council to reverse the decision.
Started by the Strathfield Labor group, the petition describes the taped over signs as a “disturbing sight”.
“Identifying this area as Wangal Country is not a radical or partisan act,” it reads.
“It is recognition of historical fact and continuing cultural connection.
“People may hold different views about the expression “Always Was, Always Will Be.” But that cannot justify removing “Wangal Country” as well.
“Covering these words does not change the history of this place. It only sends a message that the council is uncomfortable acknowledging it.”
It comes just weeks after the council made another controversial move relating to its signage.
Despite being a local government area where more than 70 per cent of people speak a language other than English, the council passed a motion making it compulsory for business owners to use English on their signage.
Posting on Facebook, Mr Baladi insisted removing the Indigenous references was geared towards celebrating “all” the cultures in the council area.
“The current Strathfield Council inherited overpriced and divisive signs from the former Labor controlled council, which many residents have complained about,” he wrote.
