A Melbourne mayor says she has been barraged with "vitriolic comment" following her proposal that could potentially move the date of Australia Day celebrations in her area.
City of Yarra mayor Amanda Stone says she has received "angry and offensive" emails, text messages and online comments of a patriotic nature over her plans to consult with the local Wurundjeri community.
Her plans come following several years of heated debate over the date of Australia Day, which some people claim is offensive to indigenous people.
Cr Stone says the City of Yarra has a high indigenous population, and also a high youth population, with both groups keen to address the historical implications of January 26.
However, her proposal has not come without backlash from those with more traditionalist views.
"It's generating a lot of vitriolic comment already, a lot of nationalistic comment and abusive emails," she told AAP.
"That's the general gist of it, that council should stay out of issues other than roads, rates and rubbish.
"The anger is really around consulting with a perceived minority group and one group having a greater say than others."
Cr Stone pointed to the City of Fremantle, which continues to host its citizenship ceremonies on January 26, but this year added another day of celebration two days later.
She says the City of Yarra currently hosts its citizenship ceremonies and citizen of the year awards on January 26, but could consider moving the date following consultation with local indigenous groups and advisory boards.
The motion will be debated at the council's meeting this Tuesday.
The Wurundjeri Tribe Land Compensation and Cultural Heritage Council has been contacted for comment.
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