My friends, I am truly delighted to welcome you to these lovely gardens this evening as we prepare to celebrate Australia Day. 

I do so with particular acknowledgement of the traditional keepers of this land, the Ngunnawal people.

Australia Day has come to define the rhythm and rituals of our January.

Families have been together for Christmas and we have rejoiced in welcoming the New Year, assured that the Dragon will bring us auspicious things.

Kids have spent six weeks getting up to all kinds of things. Now they’re ready to get into harness for the first school term.

New books covered, new uniforms and anticipation galore. Optimism in the air.

Australia Day brings us together as we look forward with enthusiasm and renewed vigour after a break from the day to day patterns of the workplace. 

A fresh energy for the year ahead.

We gather at picnics, concerts, barbecues, catching up with each other. 

That’s what community engagement is all about, and it’s a precious commodity.

It helps us to listen and learn from each other, to understand each other better; share ideas, experiences, good stories, hopes and aspirations.

We honour and respect our Indigenous Australians – our diversity, the enrichment that new immigrants and refugees bring to our country.  

We think of our ADF men and women serving overseas and those whose work we specially admire.  Emergency workers, teachers, nurses, volunteers.

Across this generation we have been uplifted by significant anniversaries.

1988 the Bicentennial, 2000 The Olympic Games: the thrill of Cathy Freeman lighting the torch, her triumph on the track. In 2001 the Centenary of Federation.

Great occasions that have strengthened us, given us reason to come together with gusto and joy and self-awareness, exploring our history and our national identity.

On Thursday every State and Territory will mark Australia Day in their own unique ways.

In Townsville -- the Australia Day Ute Run; Bathurst Island -- the Origin AFL footy match; Nagambie -- the best Aussie Attire competition; and on the beach at Torquay the Havaianas Thong Challenge.  

Every year there are some new hilarious and exhilarating competitions, in the bush and on the beach, Aussie larrikin fun filled with friendship and camaraderie.

Some seriousness too, some reflection, when we pause to consider that marvellous sense of Australianness we are proud to claim as our own. 

In this role I am privileged to see the very best of it, the very best of our country and our people. To share enriching conversations.  

Civility, thoughtfulness, spontaneity and enthusiasm shine through.

So too, courage and endurance, humour and toughness in the face of adversity; the capacity to get on with the job.

Again and again when I offer thanks, acknowledgement, admiration, I get a dig in the ribs: “that’s my job”. 

From those who demonstrated extraordinary compassion and grit in Victoria and Queensland in disaster times, determination not to be bowed by the might of the fires, or floodwaters.

From those who strive to break new ground in medical and scientific research. Professor Brian Schmidt’s Nobel Prize wowed us all.

I remembered it’s what Corporal Donaldson said to me on the morning I pinned the Victoria Cross on his chest.

Ladies and gentlemen, our Australians of the Year encapsulate the finest qualities, men and women who aspire to be, and do, their best to find creative and constructive ways to build a better world.

What they have in common is a desire to help others.

They know what the concept of giving truly means.

I’m thrilled that 2011 Award Winners are here this evening: Simon McKeown, Professor Ron McCallum, Donald Ritchie and Jessica Watson. 

Powerful, influential advocates, adventurous and bold.

I want to thank each one for the way you have used the opportunities that the Awards bring to promote the fine values that you stand for.

I know that you will continue to do so with dedication and commitment.

Ladies and gentlemen, we offer our congratulations to this year’s State and Territory award nominees in the four categories.

Your achievements, your professional and personal profiles are a source of courage, inspiration and support.

Thank you for what you do.

Ladies and gentlemen, The National Australia Day Committee has flourished under the direction of Warren Pearson for ten years now.

Five million Australians participate in organised events, and many millions more throw down the picnic blanket or fire up the backyard barbecue. 

Warren has given exemplary leadership to the awards, on matters of national identity and in the promotion of reconciliation.

Warren, it has been my pleasure to work with you and I wish you well in your new role. 

My friends; warmest greetings.

Thank you for being part of this significant and happy occasion.