AUSTRALIA DAY IS A DAY TO CELEBRATE

I’d like to take this opportunity to encourage everyone to celebrate Australia Day and reflect on what it means to be an Australian in a free democracy and the most beautiful country on earth.

There are many places around the world that do not have the same freedoms or the same opportunities that we enjoy here in this great country of ours. Something that many veterans and service personnel have fought for and continue to defend to this very day.

We all come from different walks of life and have a broad heritage. Whether it be those whose ancestry dates back the many thousands of years on this continent, those of free or convict settlement over 200 years ago, those whose ancestry was part of the massive post World War II migration, those who came in more recent times, and of course, the many thousands who will become Australian Citizens today.

All of us, should be proud of and celebrate the thing we all have in common. We are Australians and we live in the best country in the world.

On Australia Day, many families, friends and neighbours will get together to enjoy a barbeque, a drink and some backyard cricket, some will take a swim or surf at the beach, others will enjoy a walk throughout our many beautiful coastal and hinterland walking trails. Whatever you choose to do, take the time to reflect on our wonderful little place in the world and how truly lucky we are to be Australian.

To all of those people being recognised with Awards today, congratulations and thank you for your contribution to our community and our nation.

Happy Australia Day everyone!