Australia Day 2006 falls on Thursday the January 26, 218 years since Captain Arthur Phillip, RN landed at Port Jackson marking the beginning of the colony of New South Wales. Since then, Australia has come a long way and has developed a unique people who are renowned for their comradeship and sense of humanity and more importantly, humility. Australia has contributed to global peace and well being through a range of actions from sending troops to foreign shores to inventing the 'black box' just to name a few. We can be rightly proud of our achievements and therefore it is appropriate to reflect on ourselves on our National Day and say that we are proud to be ‘Aussies'.

Australia Day will be celebrated in Braidwood at Ryrie Park at midday to mark this special day. Our Australia Day ambassador, Lindy Hou will deliver the Australia Day address. Lindy is a paralympic gold medalist winning a total of four medals in the women's Tandem Cycling event at the 2004 Athens games - an achievement which she can be very proud of.

Part of the ceremony to be held on the day will focus on recognising those individuals who have contributed in one way or another to the community. Categories for award include Junior Citizen, Outstanding Sportsperson, Cultural Achiever, Community event of the Year, and Citizen of the Year. While volunteering is the ‘Australian thing to do', there is no reason why this service should go unrecognised. At the highest level, this is achieved through the Order of Australia awards. For our celebration, it is marked by public recognition amongst friends and presentation of a framed certificate.

We hope to see you at the park on Thursday!

For further information, please contact Trish at the Palerang Council Office in Braidwood.

Bungendore's Ambassador is Kerry Saxby-Junna, the Olympic and world record-breaking walker. Awards in three categories will be presented to Bungendore nominees at the Community Centre, 2 Majara St, commencing at 2.45pm and followed by afternoon tea. Members of the public are welcome to attend.