LEETON came alive on Australia Day with quintessential celebrations held throughout the shire.
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The morning started off with barbecue breakfasts in Leeton, Yanco and Murrami before the official ceremony got underway in Mountford Park.
A solid crowd perched under the shade of the trees to hear from Australia Day ambassador Peter Wilkins, mayor Paul Maytom and, most importantly, to find out who had won the shire’s awards.
Those awards were handed out for Sportsperson of the Year (junior and senior), Citizen of the Year, Junior Citizen of the Year and many more.
Leeton Australia Day chairman George Weston was thrilled the day encapsulated everything that is good about the nation.
“I was in the United States last week and there was obviously a lot of dissent towards Donald Trump and then in Britain you’ve got all the angst with Brexit,” he said.
“I would like to think things like that wouldn’t happen in Australia.
“The great thing about Australia Day is it highlights how unique we all are, but our ability come together as a country.
“We might all be from across the globe, but it’s a unity that bonds us.”
Young Leeton shire resident Elijah Ingram gave the welcome to country on the day and, when quizzed by Mr Wilkins about Australia Day, he said it was a day worth celebrating.
“I do understand why people get upset about the day and the date it is held,” Elijah said.
“But I will be celebrating today because we are all Australian and it’s inclusive.
“I would understand if the date was changed and I would celebrate then too.”
The Leeton Town Band performed a rousing rendition of the national anthem, which led into a flag raising ceremony for the the Aboriginal and Australian flags.
Councillor Maytom was happy to see many faces in the crowd on the day.
“On Australia Day we come together to reflect on what we have achieved and what we can be proud of in our great nation,” he said.