Australia Day activities were held in Lithgow, Portland and Wallerawang on Wednesday 26 January with the Australia Day Ambassador's Address given by Olympic rower James Chapman OLY.
To commence the day, Lithgow City Council Mayor Maree Statham welcomed the crowd at Queen Elizabeth Park Lithgow, acknowledging and paying respect to the Wiradjuri people of the Lithgow area whose heritage, culture and identity derive from this land.
The Mayor spoke about Australia's journey – past and ongoing – including the traditions and cultures of First Nation Peoples.
The Mayor added "Today, it is reasonable and appropriate for us to reflect on another challenging year, and in doing so to respect the committed work of those who have been the first responders during the Coronavirus pandemic".
The Mayor also welcomed a new group of Australians, encouraging the new citizens to participate in all that Australia and the city has to offer, because "We are all part of the Australian story."
The ceremony included a Citizenship service, the NSW Local Citizenship Awards, and the Ambassador's Address.
A Welcome to Country was also delivered by Aunty Helen Riley, Founded Elder from Mingaan Wiradjuri Aboriginal Corporation. Aunty Helen Riley made a call for unity and to move forward working together for a more culturally sensitive community.
The Australia Day Ambassador James Chapman's speech was inspiring and thought-provoking.
The Mayor made special mention of two local women who were awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) (General Division) by the Governor General on Australia Day.
Doreen Mina OAM has volunteered for over 50 years with the Women's Auxiliary of Lithgow Hospital, having started at the old Lithgow Hospital in 1970 and only finishing last year.
Margaret Burns OAM has volunteered for over 60 years with a number of local community groups and like Doreen Mina, the Lithgow Hospital Women's Auxiliary.
"This is a fantastic achievement, with both of these women having given so much of their own time to help serve the Lithgow community," concluded the Mayor.
Wallerawang celebrations took place at the Wallerawang Community & Sports Club.
The Portland community was able to celebrate Australia Day with family and friends in Wolgan Street Portland. The official ceremony in Portland included addresses by the Mayor and the Australia Day Ambassador.
Free entry was also provided at the JM Robson Aquatic Centre on the day.
The Mayor acknowledged that while Covid restrictions had influenced some of the proceedings, there was great spirit and enjoyment still experienced by all.
