PROUD AMBASSADOR: Australia Day ambassador, Tony Murphy, addressing the large gathering at Tolmie Tavern helping to celebrate Australia Day on Thursday.
Written by By PAM ZIERK-MAHONEY.
AUSTRALIA Day ambassador, Tony Murphy, is proud to be an Australian and told a large audience at Australia Day celebrations in Mansfield and Tolmie so.
"We are a small nation in comparative terms, but our achievements speak loudly," Mr Murphy said.
"I am proud to be Australian, I am sure you are too.
"I would like to reflect on the reasons why being Australian is something I value.
"There are many drivers for this passion, it is about our rich history and achievements that inspire me and make me proud.
"The right to have a fair go and the ability to get in and help people when the chips are down are characteristics that set Australia above any other countrys in the world.
"We are drawn from a variety of backgrounds and this diversity is one of our key strengths, this culture is unique and has allowed our identity as a nation and our individual identities to continually emerge.
"The respect we have for one another and the ability to tolerate different viewpoints are outstanding values and certainly the cornerstones to the democratic freedom we all enjoy and have protected for a long, long time.
"As a nation we have achieved greatness which has been acknowledged worldwide, whether it is on the battlefields of Iraq, Afghanistan or writing history at Anzac Cove, Australians have always stood up for what is right and have won respect for this ideal.
"In sport Australians have had huge success and history books reflect on many individuals and teams that have dominated the world, we’ve always supported these champions.
"Our way of life is built around sporting events, it doesn’t get any better than when the siren sounds to start the AFL grand final, the first ball is bowled at the MCG Boxing Day test cricket match or the barriers fly open to start the Melbourne Cup."
Mr Murphy went on to say our history is colorful with many characters making their mark and bonding us together as well as the inventions which have put Australia on the world wide map.
"We are proud of things that give us our identity and the glue that bonds us together," Mr Murphy said.
In concluding his address Mr Murphy said the future looks challenging for Australians, but as Australians we are superb at rallying for a cause, looking after one another and never giving up.
"These qualities are what make us a special lot," he said.
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