Happy Australia Day

Published on 25 January 2017

Mayor Frank Carbone standing in front of a sign saying FAIRFIELD at Fairfield City Museum and Gallery

Tomorrow we celebrate Australia Day, a day when people from across our great nation, regardless of background or upbringing, unite to celebrate life in Australia, its people, its land and our rich cultural diversity.

Together we celebrate our freedom, democracy and, above all, our sense of a fair go for all.

It is a day to acknowledge the first Australians. The Cabrogal of the Darug Nation are the traditional custodians of this land upon which our City now stands.

We acknowledge their elders, descendants, rich culture, and their unique role in the Fairfield area. Their heritage and traditions are important to all and form part of our Australian history.

In Fairfield City, we are fortunate to live in a community rich with cultures and traditions as a large portion of our residents have come to this country from overseas. We are grateful for what we each contribute; we enjoy learning from each other and embrace each other's traditions.

Tonight, our Australia Day Community Awards will recognise 15 outstanding members of the Fairfield community and their contributions in making our City a great place. I congratulate these fantastic people for their involvement in making our City a great place to live.

This Australia Day, please take the time to reflect on our national journey; reflect on our past, our present and take the time to acknowledge that we each have a role to play in making Australia even better for the future.

I also encourage you to take advantage of our free Australia Day activities at Fairfield and Prairiewood leisure centres and Fairfield Youth and Community Centre. And don't miss the fireworks at Canley Heights at 9pm.

I wish you all an enjoyable Australia Day.

Mayor Frank Carbone smiling and posing with Australian flags in front of Aqua Play Water Park at Fairfield Leisure Centre

Back to school

I hope everyone has had a great summer holiday.

There has been plenty to do in Fairfield City for families, including workshops at the Museum and Gallery and libraries, the new Aquatopia and Obstacle Park and our leisure centres. These facilities are a great asset for our community.

I also remind adults to slow down when driving in school zones. A sad statistic is that about 60 children are injured or killed in school zones in NSW each year, so please take extra care.

I wish the children returning to school well in their studies.