HUNDREDS gathered at the Mount Gambier railway lands precinct on Saturday to celebrate national pride and the achievements of several community members.
The traditional Australia Day breakfast provided by the Lakes Rotary Club of Mount Gambier drew a crowd to The Rail where Member for Barker Tony Pasin was among the speakers to address the crowd, highlighting what it means to be part of a “great nation.”
“Australia Day is a reminder of the tremendous freedoms we enjoy and how lucky we are to live in what I think we can all agree is the greatest country on Earth,” he said.
“Every Australian should be proud and above all we should celebrate that no matter our birth place we are united under our Australian values.
“January 26 is a day to unite us, not divide us.”
Mr Pasin said Australia Day allowed the community to “reflect on our history and not turn our back on it”.
“To me this day represents where we have come from and what we have become,” he said.
Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin started her speech with an honourable mention of the “spiritual relationship” the city shared with Australia.
“We thank the hard working volunteers of the Lakes Rotary Club for providing breakfasts once again this year,” she said.
“They prepare a fantastic breakfast and in doing so, raise much needed funds to support work for our community.”
Ms Martin started formal proceedings by inviting attendees to join her in an affirmation of commitment to Australia.
Young citizen of the year Joseph McMahon was both humbled and honoured to receive his award.
“I would like to the thank the City of Mount Gambier and congratulate the other Australia Day award recipients,” he said.
“My family and friends have shown the importance of being actively involved in our local community through volunteering. ”
Citizen of the year recipient Sharon Tuffnell said her past few years involved with St Johns had been “very rewarding.”
“Through community spirit we have stayed strong and banded together as one,” she said.
“I would like to personally thank Ross Parkinson OAM for nominating me and showing his support.
“To our amazing cadets and volunteer members, you are the reason I give it my all and I dedicate this award to those looking down on us today.”
Accepting his award as a recognition for the work all service clubs did, 2019 senior citizen of the year recipient Graham Robinson said he was “representing himself as much as all volunteers”.
“I would like to reflect back on how proud my relations would have been to see me here today,” Mr Robinson said on the day.
“We sometimes forget they are what started it, they were Australians and I am proud to be here.
“I know there are members of the Rotary club that are sitting over there who know how uncomfortable I am being up here and I thank them all.”
Fringe Mount Gambier committee members Louise Adams and Monica Hart accepted the community event of the year award for the artistic-inspired festival.
