p style=”text-align: justify”>Happy Australia Day Eve
Like many on Australia Day I take a bit of time to reflect on who we are as a nation and what important values we share.
We usually talk about multiculturalism, or perhaps what the nation has achieved in the recent past, we recognise local champions and welcome new citizens.
In the last few years a common theme has been the courageous and inspiring way Australians have responded to natural disasters.
There have been outstanding responses to recent fires in all parts of the nation – including right here in our own backyard.
This year I do want to pay special tribute to our emergency services personal particularly the members of the CFA and DSE but also to those services that have worked alongside them looking after us all this summer. Victoria Police, VicRoads, the Red Cross our local Council staff to name just a few.
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I would like to start by recognising the traditional custodians of the land on which we gather and pay my respects to their elders past and present.
I particularly thank them for their welcome on this day.
– Mayor John Burt and Councillors
– My State Parliamentary colleagues Geoff Howard and Sharon Knight
– Our newest citizens
Happy Australia Day Eve
Like many on Australia Day I take a bit of time to reflect on who we are as a nation and what important values we share.
We usually talk about multiculturalism, or perhaps what the nation has achieved in the recent past, we recognise local champions and welcome new citizens.
In the last few years a common theme has been the courageous and inspiring way Australians have responded to natural disasters.
There have been outstanding responses to recent fires in all parts of the nation – including right here in our own backyard.
This year I do want to pay special tribute to our emergency services personal particularly the members of the CFA and DSE but also to those services that have worked alongside them looking after us all this summer. Victoria Police, VicRoads, the Red Cross our local Council staff to name just a few.
With the hottest part of the year still ahead of us they are working incredibly hard and on Australia Day I think it is important that we stop and take the time to say thank you and to remember that they are people from every walk of life in our community and we want them to stay safe as they go about their important work.
This year I also want to reflect on some of the more difficult issues to talk about.
One of the marks of a great nation, a great community, a strong family and even a quality individual, is the way we face up to these issues.
During last year and continuing into 2013, we as Australians are having to front up over issues of random violence in our communities and our homes – and sexual abuse in our institutions.
I have participated in two walks in the past few months to highlight the issues of random violence, in particular as it impacts on women.
They were extremely moving and emotional events.
The first was the Take Back the Night walk in Ballarat and the second the walk in Bacchus Marsh in response to the brutal death of Sarah Cafferkey.
There were, of course, massive crowds at similar events in Melbourne in response to the death of Jill Meagher.
As I said at the Take Back the Night walk, I wished with my whole heart that we did not have to be there.
But the fact that we were was an unambiguous signal that we are determined to ensure that every one of us can live in communities that are free from violence.
I am sure we were reflecting a view held broadly by people in communities across this country.
On this Australia Day I could wish for nothing more than that, as a nation, we do not let the momentum of these marches wane.
Likewise, with the formation of the Royal Commission into abuse within institutions, it is important to ensure that the realities of the past are sensitively and appropriately dealt with.
It will be a difficult and traumatic time for many individuals.
As communities – both local and national – we must be ready to support them in every way possible; and I am sure we are.
While there will be much hurt through the process, there is also an opportunity for the nation to recognise the serious errors of the past, make amends and work towards healing.
My wish on Australia Day is also that the nation and all those involved and affected come through stronger for the experience.
I know we are all very proud of our nation.
Confronting issues such as these I have touched on today will hopefully, in time, give us even more reason for such pride.
On this Australian Day, as always, we are welcoming new Australian citizens into our midst.
Importantly, in the context of what I have just discussed, the desire of so many people from other shores to make our country their home is a mark that our society remains an attractive and welcoming place to be.
We should never forget that.
So to those who are becoming citizens today, welcome and thank you for choosing to make Australia your home.
As fellow Australians, you are now an integral part of civic life in our country, and, as such, are part of Australia’s future.
Well done, also, to recipients of Australia Day awards.
As you celebrate, I hope you all get a moment or more to reflect on the things that you value about this great nation of ours.
Thank you for the opportunity to participate and Happy Australia Day to you all.
Thank you.