26 January 2012
High Commissioner's Australia Day message
On Australia Day, we gather, wherever we are in the world, to celebrate what’s great about being Australian.
As Aboriginal Leader Professor Lowitja O’Donoghue remarked, ‘celebrations of special days are important. They symbolise for us the things that unite us as human beings. They are markers that help to define who we are and what we hold dear. They are part of the glue that binds a society together.’
Here in Solomon Islands, it is also important we pause and celebrate the quiet achievement of ordinary Australians, those of you who work in close partnership with our Solomon Islands friends and colleagues, and our regional partners, to make a real difference.
The feature in today’s paper highlights the depth and breadth of Australia’s abiding interest in Solomon Islands and the region.
Today is about recognising the contribution of volunteers who have rolled up their sleeves in the provinces; the Australian Government officials; the many Australian businesses who invest here; RAMSI personnel; and the world-class specialists who donate their life-saving skills in the National Referral Hospital.
On Australia Day, I would also like to thank our hosts – the Government and people of Solomon Islands. I thank you for taking Australians into your hearts and your homes.
Happy Australia Day.
Matt Anderson
Australian High Commissoner