Community & Business
30 January, 2025
Australia Day is all about mateship
Over 120 people attended the annual Australia Day Awards Ceremony on Sunday in the Pittsworth Town Hall. Australia Day Ambassador Paula Pool said January 26 is about more than just celebrating our great nation, it’s a call to action that challenges us to embrace values of mateship, generosity and resilience.
The award ceremony was preceded by a barbecue breakfast in Centenary Park by the Pittsworth Men’s Shed.
Amy Paton of Cheek Boutique provided free face painting.
The ceremony began at 9am, opened by Australia Day Committee member, Allan Petersen and the Pittsworth Cadets who completed the flag raising.
Toowoomba Region Councillor James O’Shea said Australia Day is a time to reflect on what it means to be an Australian.
“On Australia Day we reflect on our history, the highs and the lows, we respect the stories of others, we celebrate our nation, its achievements and most of all its people.
“It’s important we recognise the stories of Pittsworth and acknowledge the extraordinary efforts of individuals and groups in this wonderful community.
“Mateship is a term often used to describe Australian culture. It is a term which embodies equality, loyalty and friendship.
“This is a trait that is very much evident in the Pittsworth community today.
“In times of uncertainty, strong community connections and relation-ships keep spirits alive and districts thriving.
“Today’s Australia Day honouraries embody this and the awards are a heartfelt thank you to you, from your community,” he said.
“The Pittsworth district is home to remarkable people who go above and beyond, generally very quietly, to make our region a better place.”
Cr. O’Shea thanked the Australia Day Committee of Allan Petersen, Ros Scotney (Chair), Antony McEwan and Janene Howard, the volunteers, and those who lodged nominations.
He introduced the Australia Day Ambassador Paul Pool who is the co-founder of Fuel 4 Schools, a transformative initiative designed to address food insecurity among school children.
Fuel 4 Schools feeds nearly 7,000 school students every week and provides essential educational resources to schools, in order to create a learning environment without the distraction of hunger.
“This is a land of pioneers, inventors, artists and innovators... it’s a land of neighbours who help each other through fires, floods and droughts, it’s a land of story tellers who shares their tales around campfires, and communities who come together in celebration and support,” Ms Pool said.
“What truly sets us apart as Australians is our commitment to looking out for one another.
“For me, this [Fuel 4 Schools] is a constant reminder of how powerful community support can be in creating brighter futures.
“The spirit of giving extends far beyond any one charity.
“Non-profit charities and volunteer organisations are at the heart of our communities, they embody the values of mateship and generosity that we hold so dear.”
Ms Pool said Australia Day challenges us to embrace values of mateship, generosity and resilience, and to live them out in our daily lives.
Calling forth the nominees and announcing the winners at the ceremony were Pittsworth State High School Captains, Ava Schultz and William Collins.
