AUSTRALIA DAY 2016
Australia Day is about coming together and recognising our fortune as a nation. It is a time to reflect on what inspires us and to embrace the common goals that unite us – our commitment to a tolerant, free and democratic nation that allows each of us to succeed while respecting our individual differences. It is also a time to acknowledge our Indigenous people and the significant contribution of our ethnic communities.
I also want to welcome refugees who have recently sought to build a new life in Australia and I encourage individuals and communities to find ways to open up their celebrations to new citizens so they may experience our friendship and way of life. Australia Day is an opportunity for us to spend time with family and friends and celebrate the freedoms we enjoy as a peaceful nation. While Sydney is the historic home of our national day, there are thousands of other celebrations taking place across our great state that unite communities in a spirit of friendship and harmony.
Regardless of how or where we choose to celebrate let’s come together this Australia Day and show the world how we celebrate our nation’s favourite day. I would like to wish everyone a happy Australia Day.
