Stonnington locks in an annual chanukiah

Stonnington Council in Melbourne’s south-east will display a chanukiah every year under a new Civic Recognition Policy.

This comes ten months after a deferred vote on the same question split the chamber, prompted accusations of antisemitism and led to a councillor’s suspension.

Councillors unanimously adopted the policy on Monday night. It creates a civic recognition garden in Malvern City Square, on the corner of Glenferrie Road and High Street opposite Malvern Town Hall, with a flagpole and space for temporary displays.

A chanukiah will stand there every Chanukah. The council’s calendar of recognised occasions also includes Lunar New Year, Ramadan, Diwali, NAIDOC Week, Midsumma, Remembrance Day and Christmas, and community groups can apply to have other occasions added.

Toorak Ward councillor Tom Humphries, who moved the original menorah motion last December, was not at the meeting.