More than 100 supporters for Mayor Asta Hill at last night’s council meeting spilled from the meeting chamber into the entrance hall and from there onto the lawns outside.

They displayed love hearts in the Aboriginal flag colours, with her name inside, and a poster saying “Asta Hill Leadership”.

The small public gallery was soon full. The partition into the entrance hall was opened and protesters were admitted to the function room next to the chamber.

This followed the Mayor’s decision to stay away from the council’s Australia Day celebrations on Monday because “I do not personally want to play a formal role on a day that causes harm to parts of our community”.

The Australia Day awards ceremony was conducted by Deputy Mayor Allison Bitar.

Update 1pm:

Jonathan Pilbrow, a well-known volunteer and a local commenting on community affairs, said today: “I believe Mayor Hill has taken a very considered and brave approach to by not participating in formalities on January 26 this year.

“The turnout of so many people in support of Mayor Hill yesterday evening shows that a large number of people across Alice Springs also do not believe that 26 January is the right date to celebrate Australia’s national day.

“I believe that Mayor Hill has taken a very appropriate approach to this matter, by standing aside and allowing the day’s formalities to be conducted by the deputy mayor, in accordance with Town Council procedures.

“Last night she answered every question put to her with great consideration and respect.”

This article appeared on Alice Springs News on 2 February 2026.
Related story: Mayor Hill to abstain from council’s Australia Day function