2010 Australia Day message
21st January, 2010
Federal Member for Wide Bay and Leader of The Nationals Warren Truss, today encouraged all residents and visitors to our region to join in local celebrations for Australia Day on Tuesday, January 26. “Australians have much to celebrate and to be proud of on our national day. Our land, people, diversity and our cultures, our freedom and democracy, and our belief in a fair go, are all distinctive features that have built our nation’s character over generations,” Mr Truss said.
“Australia Day is an important occasion to look to the future, consider the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, and decide how we can make the most of them. Our nation and our people are known for innovation, tenacity, diligence and compassion and these characteristics help to sustain us through the difficult times we are experiencing.
“We should reflect on the privileges and benefits we have as Australians, where people from many different backgrounds are able to live in peace and share in everything our country has to offer.
“The generosity of the Australian spirit is evident when Australian people respond spontaneously in times of trouble and to ease the desperate need of people in this country and overseas, as we have seen many times over the years, with the Asian Tsunami, floods and hurricanes, Victorian bushfires and now with the earthquake in Haiti.
“Not everything goes smoothly or without trouble. Locally, we have overcome the travesty of the Traveston Crossing dam, but now we must work on securing the environmental and economic future of the Mary Valley and its people.
“The Commonwealth of Australia was created by years of skilful negotiation and the democratic choice of the people. Our unique Australian system of Westminster democracy, our constitution and flag, serve our country well and are important fundamentals of the Australia we all hold dear.
“Our future success cannot be taken for granted. We must continue to be vigilant and to build on the past achievements to ensure our country remains great in the future.
“Almost every city, town and community captures some of the spirit of our national day through locally organised events and commemorations and I encourage everyone to participate in the celebrations.”
