Those words will ring out at hundreds of events around the country today as we celebrate Australia Day and the birth of our great nation.

For us all it is an opportunity to recognise the deeds of special Australians from all walks of life, the armed forces, sport, government, business and most importantly our local heroes and the people who unselfishly give much to our communities.

It’s also a day when 3000 people from 101 countries will become proud Australians at 95 citizenship ceremonies around the state. Many of them have endured hardship too harsh to imagine and we should welcome them with open arms.

For some of us it will be just another day, for others a chance to celebrate with friends and a snag on the barbie at home, by the beach or by attending the Big Day Out in Sydney or one of the Australia Day events in Wollongong, Shellharbour and Kiama.

It’s our day and we should celebrate. But, please, do it with dignity and good humour and without the flag-draping jingoism that too often has defined us as a bunch of beer-swilling yobbos.

Happy Australia Day.