I have been honoured to be an Australia Day Ambassador for the past 12 years.

This year I was booked to fly to Bellingen, but unfortunately due to flooding in the area the event was cancelled so I was asked if I could go to Warren instead, as their Ambassador had fallen ill.

I received a warm welcome from the Mayor, Clr. Norman 'Rex' Wilson, OAM, other members of council and the local community. About a quarter of the town's population turned up for a hearty Australia Day breakfast, a citizenship ceremony and presentation of community awards. The local choir sang the National Anthem, plus a song they had written to celebrate a wonderful day. I gave a speech about the importance of immigration, community and volunteering.

Thank you to everyone at Warren for making me feel so welcome and I want to send my best wishes to the people of Bellingen.

In my role as Ambassador for Ageing, I would also like to honour and congratulate the winner of the 2012 Senior Australian of the Year award, Laurie Baymarrwangga, Community Elder, NT, for her lifelong commitment to caring for kin, culture and country.

Along with the finalists:
Barbara Holborow OAM NSW,
Dr Nouria Salehi OAM VIC,
David Williamson AO QLD,
Dr Bruce Foster AM SA,
George Jones AM WA,
Kieran Brown TAS,
Betty Churcher ACT.

If you would like more information about the award recipients it can be found at www.australianoftheyear.org.au

Noeline

Australia Day Event - Warren 2012

Photo courtesy Warren Advocate