A CELEBRATION OF WHAT IT IS TO BE AUSTRALIAN IN 2025

On a steamy hot Friday on January 24th this writer was privileged to be seated on the stage in the cool of the Somerset Civic Centre in Esk as part of the Esk Community Choir to observe as Aussie flag-bearing Australians and soon-to-be Australians made their way to their seats for a celebration of all that it means to be Australian.  Two little boys lolling on the floor at the feet of their parents, were clearly oblivious of the tough decisions made by their family and so many others there, to leave family and friends behind to make a new life in Australia, this region now so enriched having embraced these new citizens from so many backgrounds and traditions.

Suzanne Clemence

Brady Schultz

Energetic emcee, Brady Schultz, certainly a personification of his Healthy Lifestyles Australia, opened the proceedings with a spirited welcome to a capacity audience together with so many local and state dignitaries.  Though Waltzing Matilda is a song about a bloke who pinches a sheep then commits suicide, it was like a great breath of Aussie fresh air to embrace the day’s celebration with A.B. Patterson’s most famous verse, this day, a ‘gold winning’ performance by Suzanne on flute, in alliance with Alexis on piano.

Helen from the Somerset Regional Council officiated the Citizenship ceremony, each individual pledging their patriotism and proudly receiving their Citizenship certificates from Mayor Wendt and Shayne Neumann M.P., their ‘kodak moments’ captured by the bevy of clicking cameras.  The singing of the Australian National Anthem led by the choir was again an endorsement of the Australian way.

Representatives of so many worthy categories, nominated from their various fields of high achievement were in turn, called to the podium to be presented with an Australia Day Certificate of Achievement, each category winner, awarded with their winning medal.  Amongst an extensive list of deserving nominees all of whom have given outstanding service to their community over many years, Denise Modistach for her years of community service in the Kilcoy region was conferred with the title, ‘Citizen of the Year’.

Denise Modistach  'Citizen of the Year’.

Mr William “Bill” Nancarrow

Somerset’s 2025 Australia Day Ambassador, Mr William “Bill” Nancarrow, Senior Training Officer for Queensland Health and Australian Powerlifting Para Olympian, was a true representation of what it means to be Australian.  A victim of an horrific motorcycle accident at 16, and faced with a dubious future, William was the epitome of resilience, a determination to keep moving forward no matter the hurdles and to be stronger than his fears.

The choir’s singing of ‘I Am Australian’ was the culmination of a magnificent day of celebration of everything that brings Australians together, a reflection of a future with optimism and determination.  Why even the very polite but distinctive Australian reptiles all the way from Geckoes Wildlife appeared to be enjoying all the attention as everyone thronged to the rear of the Centre to enjoy a sumptuous, very Aussie morning tea sourced from  Toogoolawah’s unique one stop Picnic Shop, The Picnic Society and, from Niki’s Esk Fruit Shop,  some luscious fruit skewers and free ice creams, always ‘top shelf’ on any Aussie Day..

Australian Wildlife

To Jo Maxwell and her team from 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