The region came together to reflect, respect and celebrate Australia Day last week. There were smaller audiences at all events due to the current COVID environment, and perhaps also in part due to the changing sentiment around the day given its place in our indigenous heritage.
The Central West event schedule got off to a grey old start in the region, but turned into a blue skied affair for the majority of the day.
There were awards given at local ceremonies as towns and communities recognized their volunteers and community workers, entertainment for people to partake in and many gatherings at local watering holes.
After a challenging couple of years, being able to come together and celebrate was important for many in the community, as Mayor of Lithgow Maree Statham said in her address to the ceremony in Lithgow.
“2021 has certainly been another challenging year for the Nation and for our community,” said Mayor Statham.
“But here we are, once again celebrating our community’s strengths and achievements while also acknowledging the hardships that many have experienced.” Whilst there is still much to reconcile around Australia Day, and perhaps in coming years a date change or some other form of recognition is possible, the day is a chance for everyone to come together and to honor those in the community that work tirelessly to improve our region. Something we all need to do in these trying times.
