Mrs Williams was addressing the Camden Haven Australia Day celebrations on North Brother Mountain on Saturday morning.

Other guests included ambassador Narelle Campbell, Mayor Peta Pinson and fellow councillors Peter Alley, Rob Turner and Geoff Hawkins. Uncle Bill gave his well-received welcome to country.

Mrs Williams urged everyone to ensure you don’t miss out on what Australia has to offer. She was echoing the words of the joint winners of the Australians of the Year, Dr Richard Harris OAM  and Dr Craig Challen SC OAM.

Mrs Williams said she drew inspiration from their acceptance speeches.

She said the two men said that we need to be adventurous, be bold and get out and enjoy our fabulous outdoors and take your children with you.

“Take every opportunity that comes your way and use those opportunities to strengthen who you are so you can be the very best person you can be,” Mrs Williams said, referring to the acceptance speeches.

Mrs Williams also praised the wider community for responding so well to the drought crisis.

She said the level of support given to farmers reflected the traits reserved for Australians including, generosity, mateship and resilience.

Australia Day ambassador Narelle Campbell gave a brief overview of her role as station leader in the Antarctic.

She described the terrain as ‘one of the most beautiful places on earth’.

“The wildlife is unique while it is a very harsh and challenging environment,” she said.

Camden Haven High School captain William Jackson spoke about, what does Australia mean to you?

The Camden Haven Concert Band member said Australians enjoy a wonderful lifestyle with many opportunities.

“So what separates today from any other day?” he asked.

“Today is usually about catching up with friends, eating, soaking up the water and enjoying the day.

“But that could be any other day. Isn’t every day a celebration to be an Australian and to celebrate our identity?

“So, when you think about what Australia Day means, I think it is a punctuation mark, a comma or a dash. It is a moment in time to pause and reflect on the past, attend to the present and think big for the future.

“We share this day to celebrate who we are,” he said.

Fellow school captain Mia Windred said she decided to ask her friends what it meant being Australian.

She came across many different answers but did notice some common themes, she said.

“This is a day to celebrate our Australian culture and the characteristic that marks us as Australian,” she said.

“This is our understanding of mateship, or a willingness to help someone in need.

“This level of mateship gives us the opportunity to think different things but to come together for one cause.

“We have freedoms that others may not enjoy, including free speech, diversity and the change to enjoy the simple things in life. Even to walk around barefoot,” she said.

“We live in an absolutely amazing part of the world and today is a time that we don’t take for granted.”

Mia said the diversity of the country can be seen in the landscape just as much as can be found in the people.

“We must celebrate our rich heritage and culture while simultaneously giving our respects to the first owners of this country.

“Above all, it is important to remember that this day – Australia Day – is not shared with any other country.”