From the Lord Mayor's Office
Taking time this Australia Day
This Sunday, 26 January, is Australia Day.
It’s a complex day that means different things to different people depending on their lived experiences and their beliefs.
For me, it’s a day of reflection, an opportunity for learning and a chance to connect with my family and friends.
After leading a Citizenship Ceremony at Wollongong Town Hall, I will be at Wollongong City Council’s Australia Day event at Belmore Basin as it puts me in close contact with the Wollongong community and provides the opportunity to spend time in a truly beautiful part of the city.
With a little bit of luck, the weather forecast might provide us with a sunny weekend to make the most of the public holiday Monday.
As Australians, we’re proud of our diverse culture and the differences of those who chose to call this beautiful country home.
And no where is this demonstrated more clearly than in the parks and foreshore areas across the city over the weekend as barbecues are set up and tables are filled with delicious foods from around the world.
If you’re headed to one of our parks or beaches this weekend, I ask you to consider others as you do so. Share our public spaces respectfully, listen to the advice of Wollongong City Council’s lifeguards or volunteer life savers if you’re swimming at the beach, and clean up after yourselves.
We’re lucky to live in such a beautiful part of the world every day, and this weekend is another opportunity to acknowledge that.
