By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
THE bright yellow and red colours of the Vietnamese heritage flag flew for the first time in Multicultural Square, Springvale, on 8 February.
After much debate in December, Greater Dandenong Council endorsed the unfurling of the Co Vang flag, to coincide with the Vietnamese New Year.
It is now investigating a revamped flags policy to recognise other communities’ flags on important days.
South Eastern Melbourne Vietnamese Associations Council (SEMVAC) spokesman Trung Doan said the flag had deep significance for Vietnamese Australians.
“Like for a few groups, our flag and our identity had been taken away by the use of force.
“It reminds many of us that came here as refugees of our refugee past. It reminds us of the fact that our community arose from the take-over of South Vietnam.”
The council’s endorsement of the flag-raising legitimised that “sense of heritage”, Mr Doan said.
“I hope it won’t be the last time, not just for the Vietnamese Australian community but for the many others in the city.
“During the year, we’d hope to see the flag again but we’re not pushing for it. We’d like to see other communities being considered first.”
The council overrode a formal written letter from Vietnam’s embassy in Australia, which claimed the Co Vang was offensive to Vietnamese people’s self-respect.
