LEETON shire residents joined together to celebrate Australia Day yesterday, with smiles, laughs and memories all shared.
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The day became with the smell of barbecues wafting across the shire, with the Yanco Lions Club serving up a feast for all at the town’s community hall.
There was also more than enough tucker at the Murrami CWA breakfast, with children also taking part in a traditional backyard cricket match.
All eyes were soon on Leeton at the official ceremony for the day, which included numerous honours being handed out.
Alma Herrmann was named citizen of the year, Emma Reneker young citizen of the year and Enid Tuckett was announced as the 2015 lifelong citizen to the shire.
This year’s ambassador, filmmaker Anupam Sharma, was a hit with the crowd, reading a poem that resonated with many.
He said Australia Day was about celebrating as a community.
“Thank you for having me here today, it’s an absolute honour,” Mr Sharma said.
“Australia Day is an opportunity to celebrate the relationship we have with this great land, great country and great community.
“It is an opportunity to say ‘thank you’ Australia.
“On this Australia Day I urge everyone to be inspired and celebrate the great Australian community we live in.”
The official ceremony also included a welcome to country from William Ingram and the raising of both the Aboriginal and Australian flags.
The crowd gathered enjoyed a cooler than usual Australia Day morning, with mayor Paul Maytom wishing everyone all the best for the occasion and the new year in his annual address.
“On Australia Day we come together to reflect on what we have achieved,” councillor Maytom said.
“We are who we are as a nation because of who we are as people.
“To me, Australia Day us an opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate our society.”
As well as the official events, many residents also enjoyed gathering at home to mark the day.
Australia Day Committee chairman George Weston was pleased with the support.
“It’s great to lookout in the crowd and see everyone here,” he said.
“We are a great community with a big future ahead.”
Celebrations in Leeton were rounded out with a pool party.