As communities across the electorate prepare to celebrate the extraordinary effort of everyday community members during Australia Day ceremonies, Member for Burdekin Dale Last has offered his appreciation to those who take the time to make their communities a better place to live, work and play.

Mr Last said with the heart of Australia beating firmly in regional and rural areas including the Burdekin, Australia Day was an opportunity to recognise our strength, diversity and generosity as Australians.

“Each and every Australia Day we take the opportunity to recognise the unsung heroes in our communities, the parents, the volunteers and the sports coaches whose efforts often go unnoticed,” Mr Last said.

“Whether it is someone who has volunteered at their local Meals on Wheels for years or a young member of our community giving their all on the sporting field, Australia Day ceremonies offer us the opportunity to recognise and connect with those members of our community.”

Mr Last said while the national day is a chance to come together and recognise those award winners, it was also a timely reminder that everyday heroes deserve our gratitude.

“Recognising those who devote their lives to improving our communities doesn’t have to be restricted to January 26,” Mr Last said.

“We all know or have known someone who, in our own eyes, epitomises what it means to be Australian, whether it is our frontline emergency services, our health staff or perhaps someone who has paid the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy today.”

Mr Last said while the day was recognised with ceremonies and events across our nation, Australia Day has come to mean so much more to our nation.

“We are all shaped by our own experiences and as a nation, each Australia Day we come together to recognise and reaffirm that we live in a nation where everyone’s views, beliefs and contributions are valued,” Mr Last said.

“It’s about who we are as a nation and what we aspire to be.”