On Monday, 26 January 2026 we mark Australia Day, a day where we acknowledge our country’s past, recognise our achievements, and look forward to the future.
On our nation’s national day, the Australia Day Honours List of Australians who have achieved great things for their community and our country is announced, barbecues are fired up, and rubbish bins become cricket stumps as we come together to enjoy the company of family, friends, and neighbours.
Australia Day is not just another public holiday. It is our nation’s biggest annual civic event. It’s a day to reflect on our history, a day to respect the origins, experiences, stories, and contributions of our fellow Australians, to celebrate our strong and diverse community and honour our great nation, our achievements, and the people who have helped shape the Australia we have become.
While we all have different views, backgrounds, and experiences, Australia Day is a day to respect and share the stories, histories, and contributions of every Australian – like the contributions people throughout Wide Bay have made, and continue to make, to our nation.
Thanks to the sacrifices, the hard work of those who have gone before us, and those who have served and continue to serve to secure our freedom, Australia is one of the safest and most stable democracies in the world, with many opportunities ahead.
Australia’s success today is built upon the uniquely Aussie characteristics for which we are known throughout the world, of our courage, tenacity, mateship, and our unwavering optimism. The Australian spirit we share is known for its inclusiveness, compassion, and the sheer hard work that has gone towards making Australia strong.
In times of adversity, the strength of our national character shines through. The horrific terrorist attack on Bondi Beach reminds us of how much Australia has changed, but it also reminds us of our national character, of bravery and courage and service, and the need for us to be vigilant against those who seek to do us harm, and the need to look out for one another.
As Australians, we know that our country is what we make of it, and that is why I am working to make our communities and our nation even better, and I acknowledge the work we must continue to do to keep our communities safe, our borders secure, and protect our Australian way of life.
I will keep up my fight to build a better Wide Bay, and to ensure that everyone can share in our nation’s prosperity.
Whether you plan to celebrate with loved ones and friends at a public ceremony, or if you choose to commemorate the occasion at home, I hope you fly the Aussie flag with pride, stay safe, and enjoy the day with your fellow Australians.
Mr O’Brien will attend the Australia Day Awards / and Citizenship Ceremony planned by the Gympie Regional Council.
