AVC under fire again after Chinese flags flew at a Perth pub on Australia Day
Australian Venue Co has come under fire from patron after its Cobblers Falcon pub in Mandurah flew Chinese flags outside the establishment on Australia Day.
Pubgoers called the incident disgusting" and "unbelievable", with many vowing to boycott the venue.
Cobblers Falcon management claims the flags were planted without their knowledge.
"You may have seen some reports of flags being hung outside our venue," Cobblers Flacon wrote in a social media post on Monday.
"We would like to clarify that the flags were hung without our knowledge or permission. They were promptly removed by our staff."
Perth Now reported the flags were raised after the pub closed for the night
"This is what happens when we have a weak government in power," Pauline Hanson’s One Nation wrote on Facebook.
"People begin to think they can take advantage of our country without consequence. Time to vote One Nation."
One Nation’s post caused more backlash against the pub.
"This is the result of a gutless, spineless government," one wrote.
"Boycott the place, simple. GO ONE NATION!!!" another wrote.
"Australia is getting flushed down the toilet. Absolutely disgusting!" a third claimed.
It has been a torrid time for Australian Venue Co, which caused controversy after its decision to ban celebrations on January 26.
"Australia Day is a day that causes sadness for some members of our community, so we have decided not to specifically celebrate a day that causes hurt for some of our patrons and our team," the group told The Herald Sun.
The company was forced to reverse its decision after widespread condemnation, including from opposition leader Peter Dutton who asked why it chose to “shun” everyday Aussies while profiting from them.
“We live in the best country in the world. We should celebrate our history. We should be incredibly proud of our indigenous history, proud of our European heritage, and proud of the great migrant story,” Mr Dutton said.
“Why somebody would be ashamed of that is beyond me and why somebody who is in the business of trying to provide a custom and reaps a huge profit off the back of hardworking Australians, why they would shun the wishes of those Australians?”
Mr Dutton said the vast majority of Australians, who would make up a significant chunk of the company’s revenue, want to celebrate Australia Day on January 26.
“It’s something that that company will have to explain,” Dutton said.
Jonathan Jackson, 30th January 2025
