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Darren Chester message for Australia Day 2023 is to reflect, respect and celebrate

The theme of Australia Day 'Reflect. Respect. Celebrate.' is an invitation to us all to stop talking our country down and count our blessings.

By news@gippsland - 23rd January 2023 - Back to News

Australia Day is the perfect opportunity to pause and reflect on what has made our nation successful, and reinvigorate some pride in our achievements, plus build the determination we need to overcome any challenges in the future. That doesn't mean we ignore our modern day problems or disregard parts of our heritage which are distressing or make us uncomfortable. But it does mean we look forward with a spirit of optimism, resilience and positivity.

Australia Day is more than a public holiday, it's the perfect opportunity to pause and reflect on what has made our nation successful, and to keep overcoming the challenges we still face

Australia as a great nation

What makes Australia such a great nation? Other countries have beautiful environments, there are many other democracies in the world, and we're not the only nation that has brought together many different cultures in a largely harmonious society.

In my mind, it is the people of Australia that make us exceptional. The past few years have been challenging for our nation with the devastating summer bushfires, floods and the enduring impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.

Throughout our nation we are blessed with millions of people who volunteer in a wide variety of organisations to serve their community. From frontline health and emergency services to environmental, sporting and community work, we have people who are willing to give their time for their community's benefit. So many Australians donate their own time to quietly and diligently support their community every day of the week.

As a grateful nation, we must support those who need our help but at the same time promote the many achievements of our veterans and community

Keeping that tradition alive

On Australia Day we should thank them all and commit ourselves to keeping that tradition alive. It is a tradition based on mateship, helping others who need a hand, and the need to feel part of something bigger than our own lives. We can all choose to contribute positively to that story by volunteering and making a statement that we care about the future of Gippsland, Victoria and Australia.

Finally, at a time when much of the political and media commentary focuses on what's wrong with Australia we should try to count our blessings more often. As we cast our eyes around the world and witness stories of the pandemic, armed conflicts, and minority groups being persecuted, we should be thankful for the freedoms we enjoy, and the largely safe, secure communities we share.

Bringing together diversity

We cannot ignore our colonial past and it's a simple fact that the lives of indigenous people were changed forever when European settlement started. Subsequent generations have built the civilisation we enjoy today and by any comparison around the world, we have brought together diverse cultures to live largely harmoniously.

That's not to say there aren't problems and unfinished business we would all like to change but as a nation, we are heading in the right direction. By working together, we can address challenges like poverty, homelessness, indigenous disadvantage, mental illness, illicit drugs, family violence and any shortcomings in our government services.

The Australian story will never be finished and it's our generation that gets to write a few chapters during our short lifetimes

Unite around issues

It's up to the most hopeful, optimistic, confident and more fortunate amongst us to lend a helping hand right now to those who may be struggling physically, mentally or financially. We have to believe in ourselves and each other as we keep writing the Australian story.

Now is the time for leaders at all levels in our nation to find more common ground and unite around issues of critical importance to the future of Australia. We can all play our part every day to make sure Australia is just a little bit better, and secure our place as one of the greatest nations in the world. Australians all let us rejoice, for we are one and free.

Pictures from Darren Chester Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Latrobe City Council invites everyone to the free International Rose Garden Festival Morwell, 7-8 November 2025, featuring night lights, live music, workshops, market stalls, performers, and over 4,000 blooming roses.
• Baw Baw Shire Council and community celebrate official opening of Gladys Sanderson Park in Noojee
  Baw Baw Shire Council and the community officially opened Gladys Sanderson Park in Noojee, honoring her bravery during the 1939 Black Friday bushfires, with festivities, Santa, and a Christmas celebration.
• East Gippsland children share ideas, hopes, and concerns to shape community and celebrate local voices through MFEG project
  Nearly 800 East Gippsland children shared ideas and concerns through the MFEG project, highlighting community connection, recreation, environment, and social care, with postcards now displayed across local towns.
• East Gippsland Shire Mayor, Cr Jodie Ashworth's Christmas message
  A Christmas message celebrating East Gippsland’s community spirit, kindness and connection, encouraging care for one another, support for local businesses, warm hospitality for visitors, gratitude for workers this season together.
• West Gippsland CMA champions healthy waterways, culture, community, and sustainability across the catchment
  West Gippsland CMA celebrates World Rivers Day by highlighting river health, cultural significance, and restoration efforts. Caring for 40,000km of waterways, they partner with communities to ensure resilient, thriving rivers.
• South Gippsland Seniors Festival offers free and low-cost events to connect, create, and celebrate together
  South Gippsland celebrates Victorian Seniors Festival this October with 60+ free and low-cost events across nine towns, inviting over-60s to connect, create, celebrate, and enjoy community through sport, arts, learning, and fun.
• Field and Game petition exceeds 12,000 signatures, prompting Victorian Parliament debate on firearm laws and community safety concerns
  A Field and Game Australia petition, supported by Melina Bath, surpasses 12,000 signatures, prompting Victorian Parliament debate on firearm laws, urging evidence-based policy and protecting law-abiding gun owners.