Australia Day in Bradfield

I don’t think there is a better day to be a politician than Australia Day.  To see the joy that new citizens take in becoming Aussies on our national day, and to feel the palpable sense of national pride at community events, is a great privilege.

My 2018 Australia Day started at Bicentennial Park in West Pymble where I spoke at the citizenship ceremony and congratulated our new citizens.  Then it was time for a wander round the Park, where many families from the local area enjoying the animal farm, the Australian Reptile show and arts and crafts stalls.

Moments after becoming Australian Citizens, husband and wife Vernon and Zuzana shared a few thoughts with me on what becoming a Citizen means for them and why they love Australia - one reason being meeting each other on the tennis courts of the North Shore.

You can watch the video here: https://www.facebook.com/paulfletchermp/videos/923624471129628/

After that it was up to Hornsby Mall where the Australia Day festivities highlighted the vibrant multicultural community, including with traditional Indian dancing.  I also got behind the BBQ with Hornsby/Ku-ring-gai Lions Club volunteers raising money for Walk Talk Fly, a foundation established to support children with cerebral palsy, such as young Jackson Kelleher (pictured).