AUSTRALIA Day is a time for reflection and celebration.
To reflect on all that we have achieved together on our journey thus far and a commitment to work together for an even greater future for our country.
On Australia Day I had the pleasure to confer Australian Citizenship on nine Mount Gambier residents representing multiple nationalities.
For these people, receiving Australian Citizenship represents full and formal membership of the community of the Commonwealth of Australia and is a public declaration of their commitment to Australia.
Those of us who have had the good fortune to be born in Australia often take this for granted.
Therefore, I would encourage you all to celebrate this great nation and think how each of us can contribute to its future success.
On Australia Day I also had the pleasure to bestow 2022 City of Mount Gambier Australia Day Awards to deserving winners: Young Citizen of the Year Award – Julia Dangerfield, Citizen of the Year Award – Adam Smith, Senior Citizen of the Year Award – Joan Osmond and Lorraine Musgrove, Active Citizenship Award – Mount Gambier Men’s Shed Toy Boys and Community Event of the – Blue Lake Carols.
Again, I offer them my congratulations and thanks.
The City of Mount Gambier is fortunate to have many volunteers who contribute to the success of our community and I thank you all.
I would like to take the opportunity to also thank the many volunteers who work for the CFS, MFS and the SES, protecting our community as we have witnessed this week with the Crater Lakes fire.
In closing, I acknowledge the passing of CFS volunteer Louise Hincks who sadly lost her life while fighting the Coles fire last week and on behalf of the residents of the City of Mount Gambier, extend our sincere condolences to her family.
As a community we are indebted to the selfless service these volunteers give to protect our lives and livelihood.
Lynette Martin
Mayor, City of Mount Gambier
