REFLECT, RESPECT AND CELEBRATE THIS AUSTRALIA DAY
On January 26, Dubbo Regional Council (DRC) will invite members of the Dubbo region to come together to reflect, respect and celebrate – because we’re all part of the story. The Dubbo region will have two Australia Day Ambassadors – one for Dubbo and another for Wellington. This year’s Ambassador for Dubbo is Khushaal Vyas. Khushaal has been an active and passionate advocate in the community and social justice space, and locally he co-founded a regional volunteer program to work with community centres and schools in the Dubbo-Trangie and Wiradjuri Community, mentoring disadvantaged Indigenous children.
“I’ve also had the privilege to direct the award-winning “Yindyamarra: A Documentary” which follows the journey of 10 law students into Wiradjuri country, where they explore the legal and social realities of our First Australians. It helps empowers students to affect change and strive for social justice, in pursuit of their future endeavours,” said Khushaal.
Wellington’s Australia Day Ambassador is Paralympian Taylor Corry, who won two silver medals at the 2012 Paralympic Games in London for 100m backstroke and 200m freestyle. Taylor, who has an intellectual disability, initially made waves at the 2009 National Underage Championships, winning three gold and two silver medals.
Mayor of the Dubbo Region, Councillor Ben Shields, said Australia Day 2021 will provide an important opportunity for the Dubbo region to reflect on the challenges of the past year, respect the sacrifices and contributions of those who responded in a time of need and celebrate being together and being Australian.
Australia Day is also a day to reflect on our nation’s past – a history which began more than 65,000 years ago with the First Australians – the world’s oldest living culture.
“It is also a day on which we respect and share the stories, histories and contributions of everyday Australians, because we’re all part of the story of Australia.”
“It has been nearly 12 months since we saw drought-breaking rain provide some incredible relief for our community, but that was quickly followed by the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve had to adjust and alter the way we do things, including Australia Day celebrations, to keep our community safe,” said Councillor Shields.
This year, there will be limited registrations available for the free breakfast at Victoria Park in Dubbo and Cameron Park in Wellington; however, if community members miss out on securing a registered ticket, they’ll still be able to come down to the park to witness the citizenship ceremony, and award presentations.
Registrations will open to the public on 20 January, 2021, by visiting 123tix.com.au. To learn more about nationwide Australia Day activities, visit australiaday.org.au.
Last Edited: 17 Jul 2023