There is (and should be) a long running debate about what is the most appropriate date to celebrate our nation; whether it is the start of white colonisation or some other day of significance in the calendar.
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But if that date in 1788 now carries many troubled associations there is nevertheless in the broader implications of such a day, whenever it is scheduled, many things worth celebrating.
Just as citizenship ceremonies reflect the modern Australia and its success as a welcoming nation, Australia Day honours reflect an aspect of where the country is now; its achievements and achievers. That is to say, if not celebrating Australia Day then celebrating Australians.
These lists make up a varied sweep of the nation. For Ballarat readers our many recipients tell human stories of the people who often in an unheralded way make an enormous difference to our community; ordinary people doing extraordinary things.
And that is an Australian story.
In many ways then a day to celebrate these people has real value.
If the glitter and spectacle of the fireworks is a loud way of celebrating quiet achievers then for at least one day of the year they are worth making a noise about.
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