Nationals Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland was in attendance at local Australia Day events right across the electorate, joining members of the community in Euroa, Strathbogie, Longwood, and Murchison as they celebrated our national day together on Friday.
Invited to make the keynote address at the Euroa event, Ms Cleeland spoke about the significance of the day, and what it means to her.
“Australia Day offers us a chance to reflect, respect and celebrate the idea of Australia,” Ms Cleeland said.
“It is a day we pay respect to the stories, histories and contributions of all Australians who lived, worked, and fought for the values and freedoms we often take for granted.
“It is a day we celebrate the diversity of this nation’s people with our various cultures, traditions, and belief systems.
“We are built off the back of our ancient heritage, our rich Indigenous culture, our enterprising spirit and commitment to hard work, our sense of service and sacrifice, our appreciation of difference and, perhaps most uniquely, the idea of Aussie mateship.”
Ms Cleeland thanked all members of the community who invited her to the local events, saying she had a wonderful time and was privileged to be a part of the celebrations.
“It was a wonderful day out in our amazing local communities,” Ms Cleeland said.
“The morning began in Murchison with a beautiful community breakfast and Australia Day awards.
“Next was the Euroa Community celebration, which had a magnificent turnout, all celebrating the extraordinary work of our selfless community volunteers.
“Beautiful, welcoming barbecues were enjoyed in Strathbogie and Longwood, along with Longwood’s iconic cake competition which was a hit yet again.
“Thank you to everyone involved for putting together such fantastic events, and for inviting me to be a small part of them.”
Ms Cleeland also extended her congratulations to everyone who was recognised with awards on the day.
