ONE of the reflections I have had in this crazy, upside-down year of 2020 is that I am gladder than ever to be Australian.
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Looking around the world its hard not to feel a mixture of pride, relief, and luck to be able to call Australia home.
Of course, I am always proud to be Australian. To be part of this magnificent country and its amazing people, is why I love Australia Day so much.
It is a day to celebrate our nation and recognise that a country isn't defined by borders or maps but by people.
It is a day when we should reflect upon our history and our future. It is also the day when we celebrate our new Australians, the latest members of our family, and we have already started making plans for how to do so next year.
But why am I talking about Australia Day in August? Because the other thing we do on Australia Day is recognise a few of our greatest Australians. And our local citizen nominations are open!
Through our local Australia Day Awards we recognise and acknowledge the contribution individuals and community groups make to the fabric of our community.
We present awards for Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Volunteer of the Year and Community Group of the Year.
What a year to step up
The circumstances of this year, from coming together in bushfire recovery to embracing social distancing, have created a need for a variety of fresh, deep, powerful social contributions.
Many in our community have stepped up, looking beyond their own backyard to make a difference.
But it is often invisible work. We are far more likely as a community to see the results of inaction than really witness the efforts happening in every corner of our shire.
You've seen it though. You know someone. We all have if we just stop to think. That person or group going the extra mile.
So, take a moment to recognise an everyday hero. Then head to our website at kempsey.nsw.gov.au/ausday and take a few minutes to write a nomination. It's not hard. You don't need to be a wordsmith.
They've already done the hard work, you just need to jot it down.
Stay well, everyone.
