Our Australia Day event including Citizenship and Australia Day awards was an amazing day not only weather wise but also because of the sense of freedom and excitement emanating from the crowd, you could cut it with a knife, starting with an amazing breakfast on the lawn with the awesome band playing in the background providing a full sense of normality and joy.
Eight newly certified and awarded Australian citizens was such a pleasure to watch, the elation on their faces, the sense of belonging and place was palpable. Having the honour to speak with them afterwards was truly wonderful, they are certainly interested in being involved in our community at any level required including volunteering.
Our three recipients of our annual awards, Citizen of the Year, Brian O'Connor; Young Citizen of the Year, Jackson Barby; and Community Award recipient Atrel Turner for the 1000 Lap Challenge initiative are three extremely outstanding beneficiaries. The PAST, the PRESENT and the FUTURE. In the future I see Jackson Barby as a key community leader, what an amazing and talented young man and an extraordinary role model for our young.
The thing that stood out to me was that people felt safe and this was in part due to the confidence in the organising of the event which ensured a protective environment.
The last two and half years have been challenging to say the least, triggering anxiety and fears due to the ongoing uncertainty. However I feel we are almost there, history tells us pandemic lifespans are normally approximately 3 years so we are nearing the end. What has sustained us through this difficult time is the ability to adapt, be supportive and considerate of each other.
Just to finish off my key word starting off this year is kindness; kindness can come in many forms including "kindness of spirit" which is what resonated with me out of our Australia Day event, let's maintain this theme as this is something you can give freely and receive in return tenfold. Have a wonderful 2022.
