Australia Day 26th January 2011

On this Australia Day, let’s remember how far our wonderful country has come over the years, something’s that have happen and some people have made us stand together as a country, others have just made their mark in their community or towns, but everything that has happen has, change us as a country and as people for ever.

I can remember the death of Doctor Victor Chang, this man had done so much to save other people’s lives and his was taken from him way to soon.

and

What about the Welcome Home Parades for our Nam Vet’s, took way too long to happen, but when it did we stood together as one, and we gave our hearts to these men, some of who are still paying the price for serving their country to this day.

and

Then there where, those Aussie who lost their lives in the Bali Bombings, eighty eight Aussies where killed, mostly young people, in their twenty and thirties, this touch many families, from all over Australia.

Some of the changes to our country have happen over many years.

One of the big changes in my life time, has been how we, as a country, treat the Aboriginal people of this country and yes this has taken time and yes there are still changes that must happen, but the more we walk this country as one people, the quicker these changes will happen and the better it will be for us all.

Another of those changes that I think has been so good for this country is the people who have come here to live from many walks of life and from many countries around the world, each person, bring something with them, be it music, art or the wonderful food from their country of birth.

In town all round Australia, many people have given of them self for others and for the community, in my town two who come to mind are,

John Luk, who walk the street and beach every day picking up rubbish, that people are too lazy to put in the bin, John come to Aussie as a young man, if you ask him why he does it, he will tell you he giving back what Australia have give to him, and that a “Helping Hand”.

The other person is my Dad, Dad has been a carer full time and now part for a disable man for many years, when Koby and Dad first meet, Koby was sixteen, he now thirty eight, what started out as job become friendship, Dad holds the record in Geraldton as being the longest carer for the one person, three years ago he was to be give an award in Perth at Government House, he told them he could not make it, and when they ask why, he told them “it my day with Koby”, so they come to him at the next Australia Day, breakfast.

These are only few things that have come into my mind, I’m sure each of you can think of more. All I know is every change be it good or bad make us stronger as a country and bring us together as one people, in one country. The more we stand together the strong we get and the better it is for the country.

So when you’re out and about this Australia Day,

Smile at a stranger,

Should you meet one of our Vets, who has just got home from over sea s, shake their hand “welcome them home”,

Go out and play with your kids,

Have a family BBQ,

and most of all,

Be proud to be an Aussie.

“Happy Australia Day to All Aussie”

And to those who are here for a visit

“Welcome”

I hope we see you again one day.

S.M. Mac Arthur ©