THIS IS AUSTRALIA

28 January 2010

RYAN REYNOLDS AND MARK ROBINSON

IT was a fun day out for about 400 residents who celebrated Australia Day in Hamilton at the Botanic Gardens on Tuesday.

The Southern Grampians Shire Australia Day ambassador, Duncan McLean, who was also the 2007 Victorian Young Australian of the Year, reminded those present of what it meant to be an Australian.

“I believe Australia Day is a chance to celebrate things that make us happy and lucky to be Australian,” Mr McLean said.

He was one of 135 Australia Day ambassadors who spoke at different celebrations throughout the nation.

At 22, Mr McLean was inspired to start his own swimwear business and began charity work with his brother in 2005.

They work to support disadvantaged people in Tonga who need wheelchairs.

He said Australians were lucky to live in a country where many opportunities were available.

“I think one of the important things about Australia Day and what it means to me is just how lucky we are to live in such a harmonious community,” he said.

Mr McLean said it was the people behind the scenes who made Australia what it was.

“I believe there is a much stronger argument that the actions and hard work of small businesses, of employees, of public servants and volunteers throughout Australia are what make this country resilient and a proud nation,” he said.

Southern Grampians Shire Mayor Marcus Rentsch said Australia Day was a special time for all the shire’s residents.

“It is a very special time to recognise the freedoms and the great democracy we have in Australia,” he said.

“It is also time for Australians to all work together to make this a great place.

“This will allow us to move on and continue to grow this great country.”

Australia Day was also growing in popularity across the shire, Cr Rentsch said.

“In Penshurst we had some people who had never come to an Australia Day ceremony,” he said.

“They were saying how great it was and they didn’t realise how special the day is.”

And numbers were also up from last year’s Hamilton’s ceremony.

“It is great to see everyone in the spirit; it looks like the numbers are up on last year,” Cr Rentsch said.

“I love the look of the lad who is wearing Aussie shorts and has the Australian flag on his back.

“It is really growing and people are realising the importance of celebrating Australia Day.

“Everyone is really enjoying themselves.”

Cr Rentsch said celebrations such as the Australia Day ceremony worked well with the shire’s goal of becoming Australia’s most liveable city.

The challenge now was to leave a mark for future Hamilton residents to enjoy.