Kempsey Mayor Liz Campbell said Australia Day is a special day in our national calendar.

“It’s a time to share as a family, a community and a nation and the significant events and traditions that make us the nation we are,” Cr Campbell said.

“It is also a time to recognise what is important to Australians today, and what we need to do to build an even better place for the future.

“Australia Day gives us all the chance to really appreciate the great place in which we live and the values of freedom, mateship, a fair go, and a sense of community that we cherish as part of our national identity.”

Cr Campbell said the highlight of local celebrations is recognising the local Australia Day Award winners.  

“If there is one message I would like to leave you with this Australia Day celebration, it’s that we all take inspiration from the efforts of those in our Shire who go above and beyond to make our community a better place to live.

“Let’s challenge ourselves to make even a small gesture in protecting and improving the lives of others and what we have here as we all have a part to play in making the Macleay somewhere we are proud to call home.

“Sharing our national heritage and present community spirit in the celebrations is at the heart of what Australia Day is all about.”

Cr Campbell added by having the Kempsey Australia Day awards on the eve (Friday night) of Australia Day allows people to celebrate Australia Day in a more relaxed atmosphere.

“It gives people the opportunity to spend the day with their family and friends and do Australian things like a barbecue or going to the beach,” Cr Campbell said.