Victoria Premier Denis Napthine

Australia Day

Victor P Taffa

 

 

 

 

I believe we live in the best state in the greatest country on earth, and Australia Day is a great opportunity for us to come together to reflect on our collective achievements as a nation, to congratulate those who are making a difference in our community, and to celebrate what it means to be an Australian.

Local communities across our great state from Casterton to Corryong, from Ouyen to Orbost, will be holding community Australia Day activities, and I encourage all Victorians to participate in their local celebration.

In addition to local celebrations, I know Victorians will celebrate in their own unique way through family breakfasts, barbeques, or backyard and beach cricket.

Australia Day is also a great opportunity to acknowledge those in our community who are making a real difference, especially community volunteers who are the heart and soul of communities across the state.

We thank the men and women of the SES and CFA volunteers who are always ready to protect our communities in times of need. Indeed we thank all our hard working volunteers, including those delivering meals on wheels to the elderly, our surf life savers who do a tremendous job patrolling beaches across the state, and those providing care and support to members of our community facing adversity, sickness or disability.

On Australia Day we also welcome new Australians to the Victorian community and acknowledge the contributions of immigrants to our society.

Importantly, it is a day we acknowledge the traditional owners of our land and their elders, past and present.

I wish all Victorians a fantastic Australia Day as, together, we celebrate a great country and a great state.