Quoting from the words of 2016 Australia Day chairman Ben Roberts Smith, Cowra mayor Bill West said Australia Day is a celebration of the similarities that bring us together as a nation.
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“I have no doubt that in the smallest villages and largest cities Australia Day is celebrated in a variety of very genuine and very meaningful ways,” Cr West said.
“As Ben Roberts-Smith said last year diversity is founded in difference and yet when people come together so many similarities intercept.
Australia Day is to celebrate those similarities that bring us together, our respect for each other, our cultures and our inherent quest for fairness.
“These celebrations range from our acknowledgements of the special contributions to our society of indigenous Australians to local award ceremonies and to more informal celebrations such as barbecues and games of backyard cricket and a swim at the local pool, river or beach.
Cr West also held a citizenship ceremony during Thursday morning’s Australia Day awards ceremony, welcoming Cowra resident and former Sri Lankan Bomal Jayasinghe as an Australian citizen.
