AUSTRALIA DAY won’t be the same in one Australian city next year, with the usual celebrations cancelled.

The council at Fremantle, about 30 minutes from Perth, decided on Wednesday night to cancel its annual fireworks display next year and beyond out of respect to indigenous people.

“There has been a growing movement that January 26 is increasingly becoming a day that is ‘not for all Australians’. For many Aboriginal Australians it is indeed a day of sadness and dispossession,” Fremantle mayor Brad Pettitt said.

“This does not just refer to indigenous involvement but the involvement of many other Australians who feel increasingly uncomfortable with the date and what it represents.

“The city has received significant feedback supporting the idea of reimagining our Australia Day celebrations from both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people.”

Mr Pettitt said he was proud of the council move and hopes it will make Australia Day become more inclusive and respectful.

Australia Day marks the anniversary of when the First Fleet and its commander Captain Arthur Phillip arrived in Australia from Britain, raising the flag of Great Britain over Sydney Cove.

It’s known as Invasion Day to many indigenous Australians. It’s even sometimes referred to as Survival Day.

The City of Fremantle has been highly criticised for its decision, with some saying political correctness has gone too far.

Fremantle residents are also unhappy with the decision because it’s breaking family traditions.

“So disappointed. This has been a tradition for us with the same group of families every year. Such a wonderful inclusive family event that made my heart swell with pride at being an Australian living in Fremantle,” Rebecca James said.

Another dubbed the decision as “absolutely disgraceful”.

“Who said Australia Day wasn’t inclusive?” one man said.

There have been speculation the council made the decision to save money. Labor indigenous affairs spokesman Ben Wyatt, told The Australian he too was sceptical.

“Cancelling popular events in the name of reconciliation does not advance the cause. If it’s because of cost, then call it cost,” he said.

“The relationship between Aboriginal people and Australia Day is profound. Cancelling fireworks is a facile response and likely to cause more division.”

A large number of people who live in Fremantle however fully back the council’s decision and said it was time for Australia to stop “celebrating genocide”.

The Australian reports Whadjuk Noongar custodian Corina Abraham said Australia Day was “a day that signifies death and anger, when our lands were stolen”.

“I believe we need another day that brings us together in unity, where we all feel proud,” she said.

“What day that is could be an issue for the Prime Minister.”