BELATED AUSTRALIA DAY CELEBRATIONS IN EMERALD

15 February 2008

A Message
from
His Excellency Major General Michael Jeffery, AC CVO MC (Retd)
Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia

Marlena and I extend our best wishes to the citizens of Emerald as you celebrate a belated Australia Day.

The floods which have delayed this celebration caused not only extensive damage to property, but considerable heartache to many of the people of Emerald. However, during my recent visit, I was impressed to see the progress which had already been made, as people worked together to restore their town.

This is a story of community spirit and cooperation that Marlena and I have witnessed many times in our travels throughout Australia - the inspirational story of citizens coming together to help others in need.

During my discussions with various emergency services workers and other volunteers in the town, one thing was clear. These people, when faced with long hours and tiring work, had only one concern – a concern for their fellow citizens.

In my Australia Day address to the nation, I said we should applaud the outstanding contribution of our volunteers, and thank them for their sterling efforts on behalf of the community. Nowhere is this applause more warranted, than in Emerald.

May this belated Australia Day be a welcome opportunity for the citizens of Emerald to enjoy a happy and relaxing celebration with family and friends.