Darebin Council Lowers Palestinian Flag

0:00It's March 25th. You're listening to Sydney News today, AI-powered local news. Derben City Council in Melbourne's North has voted to lower a Palestinian flag that's flown above its main building for over two years. On Tuesday night, they approved a new policy banning international flags unless required by law. The Australian, Aboriginal, and Torres Strait Islander flags will keep flying as usual. The flag at Preston Town Hall must come down within 10 working days, with a short respectful ceremony. It went up after Council approval on December 18th, 2023 amid ongoing talks about its place. During the debate, some folks in the public gallery got rowdy, jeering, and shouting until the mayor warned them to stay quiet. The decision followed months of back and forth, including over 500 public submissions. Earlier pushes to swap it for a peace flag after a major incident got shot down twice. Later nearby councils like Greater Dandenong and Yara Ranges only fly foreign flags for

1:00special events, dignitaries, or crises. This move aligns Derben with those stricter rules across Victoria, ending a divisive chapter on symbolic displays at the council.