Jodie Lewis is a proud Yorta Yorta woman who has lived in Federation Shire for most of her life.
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She went to school in Corowa, worked and played sport there, as did her own children.
When she read how councillors voted to remove the Indigenous flags from the chambers and then listened to the live stream, she said she had to speak out.
“I’m not normally one to speak out, but I’ve spoken up for my family and for Aboriginal families in the area,” she said.
“It’s not political, it’s personal and it affects our sense of belonging and respect.
“I felt the deeper meaning of the flags and what it means for families like mine was lost in the discussion.
“It hurt, especially for people like my dad who live in the community and would do anything for anyone, yes it hurts.
“The flags don’t hurt anyone, and they don’t cost anything.”
For Jodie, the three flags together represent Australia’s true history, something just one flag doesn’t do.
She has written an open letter to Federation Council, which we have published below.
An open letter to Federation councillors
I am writing to express my deep concern and disappointment about the recent changes made to the Federation Council’s flag protocols.
After sitting and listening to the full meeting and taking the time to carefully read through the new protocol changes my concerns have only grown.
What I heard does not reflect the lived experiences of Aboriginal families in this region, including my own.
Under the previous protocol, the Australian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags were flown together. This was simple, respectful and never caused division or issues within the community. It acknowledged the full story of this region and helped many families, including my own, feel seen and valued.
The new protocol limits when the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags can be flown. But Aboriginal history isn’t something that appears only on special days or for certain events. Our culture, stories and connection to this land exist every day.
This region, its landscape, its river systems, and even its town names, including Corowa, Mulwala and Urana all come from Aboriginal language, heritage and Country. Restricting when that history is allowed to be visible does not reflect the truth of this land.
It was also concerning to hear the decision linked to the idea that the Aboriginal population here is too small to justify the flags being flown. Respect should never depend on numbers.
Our history and identity don’t become less important because there are fewer of us. Aboriginal people have been part of this region from the beginning, and our presence and contribution continue regardless of population size.
We also have significant issues in Corowa and surrounding towns crumbling roads, struggling local businesses and declining community wellbeing. None of these challenges are fixed by restricting when a flag can be flown.
Changing the protocol does not strengthen, protect or improve the region in any meaningful way. Instead, it has removed something that represented unity, acknowledgement and cultural respect.
The previous protocol did not cost money, did not take away from anyone and did not harm the community. The new changes, however, have taken away something meaningful to families who have lived here for generations.
Seeing the Aboriginal flag fly all year round helped people feel included not just occasionally, not just when convenient, but every day.
To give a true example of how deeply this affects people, I want to speak about my dad.
He has lived his entire life on this land. He grew up in Mulwala and lived in Savernake, and he has always been known as an Aboriginal man in this community.
This is where he learnt to walk, where he raised his five children who all attended Savernake School and later Corowa schools and where his eight grandchildren now feel a strong connection as well.
He has always been part of this community, living here, working here and raising his family here just like so many others who call this region home.
This is not political.
This is not about choosing sides.
This is about recognition.
This is about respect.
This is about acknowledging people who have been part of this region for generations.
When my Dad sees the Aboriginal flag flying, it makes him feel visible. It makes him feel respected. It tells him he belongs here, that he doesn’t have to hide who he is or what he has lived through. Removing that flag takes that away.
I also want to speak about the younger generation, because they are the future of this region. Young people today are far more open, educated and accepting when it comes to culture and unity.
Corowa High School, where my siblings, myself and my children all attended, treated its Aboriginal students well. We felt accepted there.
The school created an environment where students could feel comfortable in who they were, and where Aboriginal identity was acknowledged in a positive way.
So I have to ask: Are these protocol changes reflective of the values of the younger generation and the future leaders of this town? Or are they coming from a place that does not represent the acceptance and understanding we see in our schools and in our young people?
Flying all three flags together Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Australian reflects the full truth of Australia: First Peoples, shared history and the nation we live in today. Side by side, they represent unity, respect and inclusion for everyone.
These protocol changes were not needed. They solved nothing. But they have caused hurt that could have been avoided.
I ask the Council to reconsider this decision for the sake of respect, unity and the wellbeing of the people who have contributed to this region their entire lives.
Thank you for taking the time to hear the impact this decision has had.
Jodie Lewis (nee Walker)
We received many comments after publishing the article last week online.. below are some of these..
Erin McCoy: Maybe council should seek input from our First Nations people regarding this decision? Should we change the name of the town too?
Maggie Corbett: Put them back.
Max Daye: Yes, only one flag to be flown on public buildings, which should be the Australian National flag.
Narelle Crisfield: Why. What is the reasons for removing it. There are far far more things to address in our little town than this. Worry about Corowa going backwards would be a good start.
Todd Letchford: Such a backwards decision. The next agenda item will be to disallow female councillors.
Maryanne Mitchell: Haven't the council got better things to do with their time and energy than this rubbish.
Cherrie Nicho: No they shouldn’t be removed Aboriginal and Australian do not REMOVE!!
Neil Davis: There is only one flag for Australia if you want the country to be one nation.
Jodie Lewis: Hi Neil, I understand what you’re saying about one nation, but the Australian flag does not represent Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people in any specific way.
It doesn’t acknowledge First Peoples, their culture or their history and that’s why the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags are flown alongside it across Australia.
Flying all three doesn’t divide us. It reflects the truth of our nation, one country made up of many peoples, including the First Peoples of this land.