Australia Day is often a day of celebration, community and mateship. Where friends and family gather together for a BBQ in the summer sun, play some backyard cricket or watch the tennis. It’s also a day where we welcome new citizens to our community, and where we recognise those who have made outstanding contributions to our society and rejoice in their achievements.
This year especially, Australia Day will remind us what a strong and resilient community we have.
After the recent floods, both this month and those of September last year, whilst we pray for the families of those who have tragically lost their lives, we also give thanks for those who survived.
It is a time to reflect on the immense spirit of our wonderful community – that which pulls us together and unifies us in times of need such as these; to give thanks for our wonderful volunteers and emergency services teams, as they help our communities salvage what they can, and help people to get back on track with rebuilding their lives.
On Wednesday as the Australian flag is raised, I will be thinking of the people who have had their lives torn apart locally, interstate and around the world. I will give thanks that whilst our country may have been torn apart, it will endure.
Reflecting on our past, I know that these floods will not break us. We will rebuild. And we will do so together.
Australia Day is also the day where we officially welcome new Australians into our community. In our patchwork society of new and old Australians – we recognise that we are one people under the same sun. I congratulate those of you who are being recognised on Australia Day for making the commitment to make Australia your future, and I welcome you.
Here we have the freedom of thought, the freedom of expression, and respect for equality under law. All these qualities combine to make all of us proud to be Australian.
As we stand united under our National flag on Australia Day, wherever we are across this great nation ‐ I ask you to celebrate everything that is great about being an Australian.
Copyright © 2010 : Authorised by Dan Tehan, 190 Gray St, Hamilton VIC 3300
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