And what better day to honour this than January 26.
In a show of true Aussie spirit, our councils on both sides of the river will this year unite for Australia Day.
Hosted by the Rotary Club of Echuca-Moama, this year’s celebrations will be held at the Aquatic Reserve.
The club’s chairman Mike Stansbury was delighted to start this new tradition.
‘‘This is the first time we’ve had an Echuca-Moama Australia Day,’’ he said.
‘‘You don’t get two mayors from different shires coming together for just anything, so this is very exciting.’’
This year assistant governor of the Rotary district Cliff Downey will MC the celebrations, while Australia Day ambassador (and ex-media manager of Carlton Football Club) Ian Coutts will provide the address.
‘‘I’m extremely fortunate to be a part of this,’’ Mr Coutts said.
‘‘Congratulations to the two shires involved because this is what Australia Day is all about — coming together and celebrating as one.’’
In addition to the presentation of Australia Day awards, a citizenship ceremony will also be held on the day.
Campaspe Shire mayor Adrian Weston and Murray River Council mayor Chris Bilkey said the joint celebrations were yet another step towards the councils working together.
‘‘Australia Day is when we come together as a nation and what happens in local communities should be a reflection of that,’’ Cr Weston said.
Cr Bilkey thanked Rotary for bringing the council areas together and said he hoped this would be the first of many joint ceremonies at twin towns across the region.
‘‘I’m encouraging communities like Barham-Koondrook to do something similar. The river is something that joins us, not separates us.
‘‘It’s the glue that joins us together,’’ he said.
Australia Day breakfast celebrations will kick off at the Aquatic Reserve from 7am with a free early bird barbecue breakfast.
The official program starts at 7.45am.
There will be a second breakfast after the ceremony, plus live entertainment from the Federal Band, Echuca Moama Theatre Company Chorus and folk singer Mick Crawford.
Plus there will be vintage cars and motorcycles on show as well as face painting and a jumping castle.
Apex, Men’s Shed, local cadets and scouts and the Echuca Aero Club will also contribute to the day.
And for those keen to party the night before, Rotary will be holding an Australia Day Eve dinner.
Held at Moama Bowling Club from 6pm, the dinner costs $35 per head and includes a two-course meal with drinks at bar prices.
The evening will also include an address from Ian Coutts.
RSVP by January 20 to Mike Stansbury at mike.stansbury@echucarotary.org
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