It was not so many years ago in Mornington on the Mornington Peninsula that a huge, festive parade would process down Main Street to the bay to celebrate the foundation of the nation of Australia on the 26th of January 1788. There would be floats, some piled with excited kids, representing a variety of clubs, associations, and businesses. It was a thoroughly enjoyable family day.

But it was all too white for the people who gained control of the Mornington Peninsula Council. Too many white kiddies around. The parade had to go.

I will stroll down to the bay end of Main Street to see if there’s any vestige of that former celebration. I will then visit the council’s offices at Mornington, Somerville, Hastings, and Rosebud, where the councillors’ political propensities are on full display.