Large numbers of Australians have been swept up in the tide, though for many marriage remains sacrosanct.

It is something, they counter, that should be exclusive to a man and a woman.

For now the debate is split between small “L” liberal and conservative voices.

This is clearly shown in the continued opposition from Prime Minister Tony Abbott and, in large part, his Coalition ranks to same-sex marriage.

That conservatism is something Farrer MP Sussan Ley pointed out as to why she did not believe her constituents were ready to accept such change.

Of course this is not necessarily the rule, as recent history both here and further afield has already demonstrated.

Albury Council voted, albeit by a narrow 5-4 margin, to back same-sex marriage, while Quentin Bryce gave it her support when still governor-general. Also, a large crowd rallied in central Albury advocating a change to the status quo.

Indigo Council this week got its chance to offer a voice on the issue, but decided against giving it the thumbs up.

Some councillors understandably argued that it simply was not local government’s job to give gay marriage a move along.

They said this was because it it could become law only if such a determination was made by the federal Parliament.

 It is an argument put by several letter writers to The Border Mail.

But as one Indigo councillor pointed out, the fact that just three of them put their hands up in favour of the motion made it clear the shire remained, at heart, a conservative community.

Cr Don Chambers put to his fellow councillors that the institution of marriage “should be available for all men and women irrespective of whether they love a man or a woman”.

He said both unions brought a range of  benefits to society. 

It remains to be seen if or when Australia backs his view and follows the path taken in Ireland and the US in backing same-sex marriage.

But the very fact the debate is even happening in rural shires such as Indigo shows it is far from over.