Strathfield Council has covered the Indigenous wording on its gateway signs with black tape after voting to remove references to Wangal Country, prompting a petition calling for the decision to be overturned.
The signs previously carried the words “Always was, always will be, Wangal Country”, acknowledging the Wangal people, who are recognised as the traditional custodians of the land in Sydney’s inner west.
The motion was put forward by Liberal councillor John-Paul Baladi, who criticised the existing signs as poorly located and containing what he described as “political language”.
“I think the current signage are subpar and have political language on them,” Mr Baladi told the council meeting. “I think they are in awkward locations and I think they reflect poorly on Strathfield Council.
“I think we should plan for something bigger, bolder and better.”
The decision has drawn criticism from the Strathfield Labor group, which launched a petition describing the taped-over signs as a “disturbing sight”.
“Identifying this area as Wangal Country is not a radical or partisan act,” the petition says. “It is recognition of historical fact and continuing cultural connection.”
It adds that people may disagree with the phrase “Always Was, Always Will Be”, but argues that this should not justify removing the words “Wangal Country” as well.
“Covering these words does not change the history of this place,” the petition says. “It only sends a message that the council is uncomfortable acknowledging it.”
The dispute follows another contentious signage decision by Strathfield Council, which recently voted to require English to be displayed on business signs where other languages are used.
Strathfield is one of Sydney’s most culturally diverse local government areas. Council data says nearly 64 per cent of residents speak a language other than English, while Australian census figures record an even higher proportion of households using a non-English language at home.
Mr Baladi has defended the latest move, saying it is intended to make the council area’s signage reflect and celebrate all cultures rather than prioritise one.
“The current Strathfield Council inherited overpriced and divisive signs from the former Labor controlled council, which many residents have complained about,” he wrote on Facebook.
Strathfield Council’s website continues to state that it acknowledges the Wangal people as the traditional custodians of the land on which the council is located. Its own historical material also identifies the local government area as being on Wangal Country.
