We would have been so much better if we had reconciled our past with the First Nations people of this land.

This was the message delivered by James Darling AM, a South Australian conversationalist who was the guest speaker at Australia Day celebrations at the Naracoorte Town Square.

In a thought-provoking message, Mr Darling said we must continue to give a fair go to all, irrespective of backgrounds, culture, or creed.

“We pride ourselves on being one of the most successful multicultural nations on earth,” he said.

“Just think how much better we would be if we could reconcile our past with the First Nations people of this land.

“Not leave anyone behind, and wholeheartedly acknowledge the many contributions that the world’s oldest culture continues to bring to the common cause of our land.”

Mr Darling said that, like much of the country, Naracoorte continues to welcome immigrants from the four corners of the world for the common good.

“Naracoorte is a meeting place. It has always been, and it will continue to be a meeting place long into the future.

“Like much of Australia, Naracoorte is opening its arms to those who have been persecuted, to those who aspire for a better life—extending that invitation to different and diverse nationalities, cultures, and creeds.

“Australian communities are being strengthened, broadened, and enlivened by that diversity.”

Mr Darling congratulated those in Naracoorte who were granted Australian citizenship and thanked them for their loyalty towards the country.

“In our love of country, tough love, brittle love, resounding love, love that stands the test of time, and our action and patriotism—be informed by historical truth, by willingness to be open to greater understandings, and by the resolute loyalties of citizenship in our evolving nation.”

Naracoorte-Lucindale mayor Patrick Ross said Australia Day was all about the community coming together to reflect, respect, and celebrate the many sacrifices and achievements of the country.

“We celebrate our nation, its achievements, and most of all, its people. And we also celebrate living in a nation where everyone’s views, beliefs, and contributions are valued,” he said.

During the event, Mr Ross also read a message from Federal Member of Barker Tony Pasin, who could not attend the celebrations because of other commitments.

In his written message, Mr Pasin reflected on what it meant to be an Australian.

“We are united by our values and shared geography. We have our shared values and future, and as Australians, we strive to better ourselves,” he said.

He welcomed new Australian citizens and thanked them for their mateship, belonging, and sincerity.

Naracoorte 2024 award winners

Naracoorte Active Citizenship Award – Nurtured Village Hampers Upper South East Limestone Coast Group for their outstanding contribution to supporting young mothers and families.

The Nurtured Village Hampers, Upper SE Limestone Coast, contribute to the community by providing hampers to young women and families struggling with life.

The group based in Upper SE Limestone Coast has demonstrated and enhanced our community by bringing together people who all want to help those in need.

Receiving the award, the group, which has about 650 members, thanked the community and businesses for the “enormous amount of support” and called on those who want to become a part of the village to reach out.

Naracoorte Young Citizen of the Year – Ryan O’Shaughnessy for his outstanding voluntary contribution to many community groups, particularly the Naracoorte P&A Society.

Ryan has contributed to the community by going above and beyond in volunteering with community groups, in particular the Naracoorte Pastoral and Agricultural Society, the Naracoorte RSL Bowls Club, the Kybybolite Football Club, and the Naracoorte High School.

Ryan has given many hours of volunteer time to the Naracoorte Pastoral and Agricultural Society to not only maintain and uphold the conditions of the local Showgrounds but also to play a pivotal role in the organisation and logistics of Naracoorte’s largest community event, the Naracoorte Show.

Ryan thanked the P&A Society for nominating him for the award and thanked the community for their support.

Naracoorte Community Event of the Year – Naracoorte United Soccer Club’s Australia Cup Round.

Naracoorte United Soccer Club hosted a round of the Australia Cup in 2023. This was a game between Naracoorte and Adelaide Cobras. The game was the only round of the Australia Cup outside of Adelaide. It was a terrific day for soccer in Naracoorte, and it was very well supported by the local community.

Receiving the award, the club thanked Football SA for its help and those who do everything to keep the club going.

See all the pictures in the issue.

This article appeared in the Naracoorte Community News.