David Freeman and Peter Holland on barbecue duty for the Seymour Rotary Club.
Photo by
Wayne Herring
The Rotary Club of Seymour partnered with Mitchell Shire Council to bring the community together for a successful Australia Day celebration on the morning of January 26.
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Formal proceedings began at 9.30am with a flag-raising ceremony performed by Mitch Thomas from Mitchell Shire Council and members of the Seymour RSL sub-branch.
The Mitchell Shire Concert Band, led by bandmaster Eric Anderson, accompanied the ceremony and played the national anthem.
Laraib Arshad, Mian Zia Mahmood and Hashim Zia, 10 months, from Beveridge.
Photo by
Wayne Herring
Seymour Rotary Club member Liam Jones served as emcee, expertly co-ordinating the event.
He introduced Rotary's nominated local ambassador, Hany Elderbeiky, who is originally from Egypt.
Dr Elderbeiky shared his journey migrating to Australia and becoming an Australian citizen, as well as the challenges he overcame to establish himself as a medical practitioner in the country.
Mitchell Shire’s Citizen of the Year, Ken Hall, with his wife, Ruth.
Photo by
Wayne Herring
Dr Elderbeiky's message to those about to become citizens emphasised that true citizenship extended far beyond documentation.
He told the crowd that citizenship involved working hard to achieve dreams while contributing to Australia's development.
“There are many Australians of differing backgrounds, and we are all part of this country that we call home,” he said.
Paramjeet Singh, Kabir Singh, five months, Sargi Kang, 5, and Parmeet Kaur.
Photo by
Wayne Herring
Mitchell Shire director of organisational performance Frank Joyce provided a Welcome to Country.
“Australia Day is about acknowledging the contribution every Australian makes to our contemporary and dynamic nation,” he said.
Mr Joyce also introduced Mitchell Shire Mayor John Dougall, who outlined challenges faced by community members due to recent fires.
The Mitchell Shire Concert Band filled the air with music throughout the celebration.
Photo by
Wayne Herring
After the formalities, Mitchell Shire’s Community Awards were handed out to the top citizens and groups of the year.
The Rotary Club of Seymour has been organising and running the Australia Day event in town for over a decade and continues to emphasise its love for putting it on for the community and developing community partnerships.
The club organised many fun and informative activities for the community, including displays by the CFA, SES and Ambulance Victoria.
Mitchell Shire Mayor John Dougall addresses the large crowd.
Photo by
Wayne Herring
Visitors also enjoyed exhibits from the car club, agility dog demonstrations, community organisation displays and various food and market vendors.
The event, of course, featured an Aussie breakfast and barbecue cooked and served by the Rotary Club members and volunteers.
The club extends its thanks to all who attended and supported the event.
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