The humidity around south east Queensland had a ‘feel-like’ 90% on January 26th but there was definitely nothing but 100% enthusiasm when a whole bunch of very happy Australians and soon-to-be Australians gathered in the cool of the Somerset Civic Centre in Esk to celebrate Australia’s national day…a day for some which continues to give rise to debate and protest but a day when many still have abundant reasons for celebrating those values of resilience, respect, diversity and freedoms which have continued to shape this nation.
And who better than Lowood’s effervescent Brady Schultz, the embodiment of his ‘Healthy Lifestyles Australia’ to usher in the day with a comprehensive ‘welcome to country’ and an introduction to all the distinguished guests including Mayor Graeme Lehman, Hon. Shayne Neumann MP, Deb Frecklington, Member for Nanango, Councillors from the Somerset Region and the Somerset’s Australia Day Ambassador, Dr Bob McGregor.
And while the likes of ‘I Am Australian’ and ‘Waltzing Matilda’ may not have figured amongst the successful choice for Australia’s National Anthem, a snatch of each of these and others from David Lawrence’s arrangement of ‘Australian Medley’ are certainly synonymous with Australians everywhere and were delivered with gusto to a very receptive audience by the Esk Community Choir to herald the commencement of this day’s formal proceedings.
The large and diverse representation of new Australian Citizens, having taken aloud the Australian Citizenship Pledge and, with Citizenship Certificates in hand, were asked by emcee Brady Schultz, ‘OK, what’s the first thing you’re going to do now that you’re an Australian citizen?’ ‘ A Great Northern!! ’ …came the response by someone in the gathering …surely evidence of an emerging national identity! With a stirring rendition of Australia’s National Anthem led by the Choir, it was on with the ‘show’.
Somerset’s Australia Day Ambassador, Dr Bob McGregor, 2014 Qld Senior Australian of the Year, was a true reflection of what it means to be Australian. His four decades as a medical practitioner, specialising in Child Health, now retired but never stopping; his extraordinary lifetime achievements delivered in his address, including his years at Ipswich Hospital, his fund-raising accomplishments, his work in adolescent mental health, and his dedication to service to his community and family have become the stuff of legends.
Dr McGregor together with Mayor Graeme Lehmann then presented the Certificates of Recognition to the many worthy nominees for the Arts and Culture, Sports, Community Group, Event of the Year and Citizen of the Year Awards and to the eventual winners in each category, their medals, and certificates. Though all cannot be winners, these are the volunteers whose energy and time spent working for their community continue to make Somerset the wonderful place it is to be.
To Jo Maxwell and all the members of the Somerset Regional Council whose initiative made this day a wonderful day of celebration for all, Alexis and the members of the Esk Community Choir give their sincere thanks.
By: Sue Walker
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