AUSTRALIA was a nation built on hard work, Loddon Mayor Dan Straub told Pyramid Hill’s Australia Day celebrations.
“Whether it’s the pioneers who shaped the landscape, the farmers who bring food to our tables, the teachers who inspire the next generation, or the healthcare workers who care for us all, Australians are people who roll up their sleeves, put in the effort, and give their best,” he said.
“It’s this commitment to work, to perseverance, and to community that makes Australia a place of opportunity for us all.
“But we’re more than just hardworking. We are a nation that celebrates “ its diversity and welcomes people from all corners of the globe. We come from many backgrounds, yet we share a common bond, our Australian identity. 
“It’s this unity in diversity that makes us stronger, and it’s why, despite our differences, we continue to stand together as one nation.”
Cr Straub said that at the heart of being Australian was a deep sense of belonging, of togetherness, and of a “collective effort to build something greater than ourselves”.
“Australia, and towns like Pyramid Hill are not just a place on the map it’s a community, a family, and a promise. 
“It’s a promise to continue working together, to build a brighter future, to respect our past, and to honour the many cultures and histories that make us who we are,” he said before presenting prize certificates to students.