Everyone has a different opinion about Australia Day and everyone celebrates the day differently – that doesn’t stop it being the biggest annual civic event in the nation.
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The day is often marked with a barbecue, beers, yellow and gold and the Triple J Hottest 100 soundtrack.
Celebrations reflect the diverse society and landscape of the nation, and are marked by community and family events, reflections on Australian history, official community awards, and citizenship ceremonies welcoming new members of the Australian community.
No matter what your thoughts on Australia Day are, the Highlands came together to acknowledge some outstanding contributions made by members of the community.
The day began at Exeter with a barbecue in the morning, a ceremony at Berrima to welcome new citizens and celebrate citizens of the year and at lunch time, a march through Berrima’s main street.
The Young Citizen of the Year, Zoe Brain, was an inspiration to all and thanked the community for their support of her Gorilla Girlz initiative, a foundation to raise money to help Gorillas.
The Citizen of the Year, Dr Allan Beavis, spoke about his time working for the community in music and education.
Exeter community members were ready to celebrate early in the day. About 120 people gathered in the village hall for a morning barbecue. The event raised money for a war memorial in the community and an anonymous donation of $5000 was made.
In Berrima, where the main festivities were held in the highlands, 29 people were welcomed as new Australian citizens. There were tears of joy, laughter and applause as new citizens took their oath and received certificates.
“We decided we wanted to become citizens because this country means we can make a bright future for our children,” a new citizen said after the ceremony.
Hundreds of people then lined the streets to watch the annual street parade of vintage cars, utes and trucks, tractors, emergency service vehicles, light horse brigade, Berrima Public School students, CWA members and Berrima District Historical and Family History Society members.
This was my first Australia Day in the highlands and I am already looking forward to the community spirit I will experience again in 2018.
Emily Barton
Emily Barton is a Producer at The Canberra Times.
Emily Barton is a Producer at The Canberra Times.
