By BRIDGET COOK
THOUSANDS united their national pride and turned out to celebrate Australia Day across Casey on Sunday.
There were free community events held in Cranbourne, Hampton Park, Tooradin, Doveton and Berwick where the city’s diversity was on display.
A special citizenship ceremony was also held at the Cranbourne Community Theatre on the day, where 100 adults and 28 children from 24 nationalities became Australian citizens.
Speaking at the event, City of Casey mayor Geoff Ablett said Australia Day was not only a chance to celebrate what people love about the nation but a day to acknowledge the importance of citizenship in Australia.
“The City of Casey is excited to welcome its newest citizens and wishes them well as they make the pledge to our great nation,” he said.
The Day of Nations event in Hampton Park pulled in a huge crowd, with a free Aussie breakfast, multicultural entertainment, face painting, jumping castles, animal farm, community group displays and presentation of the Holt Australia Day awards (see page 11).
The Australia Day ambassador at the event was Claude Lombard – a well-known character in the business and philanthropic communities.
Mr Lombard spoke to the crowd about what being Australia was all about, and shared a story which epitomised the Aussie spirit.
He said he remembers many years ago being at a boxing match and the crowd was feral after the local guy had lost.
When the singer got up to sing the national anthem before the main event, she completely froze.
“She forgot the words and the audience stepped in and sang the national anthem for her,” he said.
“To me that epitomises what Australia is all about.
“They put their emotions aside and helped someone who was down and out.”
Speaking at the event, River Gum Ward councillor Damien Rosario said he had the song I am Australian constantly playing in his head.
“The song speaks about how we’ve all come together from different lands, but we are all Australia,” he said.
“That’s what this day is all about.
“I’m proud to be an Australia, I love this country, my home suburb of Hampton Park and love that everyone has come out to celebrate this day together.”
The Passport to Casey’s Cultural Heritage Showcase in Cranbourne was another popular event with hundreds turning out across the day to enjoy a sausage sizzle, food tastings, cultural music, dance and drumming performances and children’s activities.
The event’s ambassador was Nyadol Nyuon, who is recognised among the nation’s top 100 most influential African Australians.
Ms Nyuon spoke to the crowd about her work to increase awareness of issues affecting the lives of African Australian youth.
The Lions Club of Balla Balla hosted a free open air sunset cinema in Sunday night.
Hundreds turned out to the Sawtells Inlet to watch The Secret Life of Walter Mitty under the stars.
