With the Christmas festivities behind us, the council is now focusing its attention on our shire’s pending Australia Day celebrations to be held next Saturday, January 26.

Australia Day is without doubt one of our biggest and most important days of the year. It’s the one day each year that we come together as a nation to celebrate what’s great about Australia.

It’s a day to reflect on what we have achieved and what we can be proud of in our great nation. It is also an opportunity to celebrate our rich Aboriginal heritage, diversity, flora and fauna and reflect on our nation’s history.

Importantly, Australia Day is also an opportunity for all of us to re-commit to making Australia an even better place for the future.

Our official program will kick off at the historic Berrima Court House from 9.30am.

One of the many highlights of the day will be the address by this year’s Australia Day Ambassador David Bitton.

Mr Bitton is an acclaimed international chef who moved to Australia in 1991.

This will be followed by the announcement of our Australia Day Citizen of the Year recipients.

Another will be the welcome we make to our newest citizens, who will pledge their commitment to the Commonwealth of Australia at one of the largest citizenship ceremonies ever undertaken in our shire. I trust you’ll all join me as we welcome them to share in our bright future.

However you celebrate Australia Day, be it at Berrima or perhaps quietly at home, I trust you have a wonderful day celebrating this land we call home.​