Locals have been divided over a proud display of Day flags, singlets and hats in the front window of a Lifeline store.
A photo of the display at Forestville Lifeline on Sydney’s northern beaches received mixed reactions when it was posted to Facebook on Tuesday.
‘This takes me back when ALL business supported Day, decorated their stores and were proud to be ns,’ the poster wrote.
‘Well done staff [at] Lifeline Forestville.’
n flags, bunting, singlets and hats have been displayed at the front of the store in recognition of the upcoming holiday.
Inside, n flags are being sold alongside an Aboriginal dot painting.
n flags, bunting, singlets, hats were showcased in the front of the store (pictured)
Some locals applauded the display.
‘Yes, well done ladies looks great and your great,’ one person commented.
‘True ns uniting and proud,’ a second wrote.
A third shared: ‘Fabulous to see. Woke won’t win.’
However, others said it drew attention to a day that ‘celebrated genocide’.
‘Where’s the recognition of our Indigenous people who are decedents of over 60,000 years in our country?’ one wrote.
‘You can be a proud n and be grateful for everything this country gives you, without turning it into a celebration of genocide,’ a second said.
Inside the store, n flags were being sold just centimetres from an Aboriginal painting
A third shared: ‘If you are truly proud of this country you will notice not one recognition of the original land owners in this window display.’
‘I also understand that many people and their businesses don’t see the day a flag was raised claiming ownership of a land that already had 60,000 years of continuous occupation, to be a day of celebration,’ another wrote.
Lifeline told Daily Mail that it acknowledges that Day garners a diverse range of opinions the community.
‘Lifeline ’s national crisis support and suicide prevention services are delivered by a network of 43 Centres -wide,’ it said.
‘While Lifeline supports these Centres to enable the 13 11 14 phone line and the crisis text and chat platforms, all community services and programs, including retail shops, book fairs and on-the ground services, are managed and coordinated at a local level.’