00:02Dressed in traditional clothes and ready to showcase their culture,
00:07members of the Macedonian community have been preparing for the Moomba parade for months.
00:11We haven't done this in a very long time so it's a very special moment for us to come together
00:16and be united.
00:17But a decision by Melbourne City Council to ban cultural flags has overshadowed their hard work.
00:22It kind of undermines our coming together, our identity and what we're trying to achieve here.
00:30The group had planned to march with the son of Kutles flag,
00:34which has previously been the Republic of Macedonia's national flag.
00:37The flag has been part of a long-standing dispute with Greece.
00:41The sun image is linked to the father of Alexander the Great,
00:44a famous leader that Macedonians and Greeks claim as integral to their cultural history.
00:50The flag has previously been allowed but the City of Melbourne says
00:54now only national and organisational flags can be displayed.
00:57The star of Kutles is the people's flag.
01:01It recognises and symbolises the whole region of Macedonia
01:05and we feel that it's our right for self-determination to choose that flag as the Macedonian flag.
01:14The Pan-Macedonian Association, an organisation representing Greeks
01:18from the wider Macedonian region welcomed the ban.
01:22Until the Vidigina sun is something, it becomes a symbol of unity,
01:29it's probably best for everybody that the ban remains
01:33and people just focus on having a good time as a member.
01:37We want to put on a big show for the Moon Parade and that's all we want.
01:41We're not here for any political protest.
01:43These dancers are hopeful Council will overturn the decision.
01:47We'll keep an opportunity to vote on that discussion.
01:51If you'll keep in mind and make a right next week,
01:51and keep in mind and thank you all for your time why
01:51our Whilst Brad nearing the game today.
01:51We've got an opportunity to join us for the team to join us for
01:52to join us for the team of proud women and Вот we're every,
01:52And we'll be here to join us for the younger stage,
Comments