For most of us, Australia Day is an opportunity to kick back and celebrate our love for our nation.
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It's an opportunity to take it easy, maybe watch some tennis or cricket, have a beer and cook a barbecue.
However it is also so much more than that. Australia Day has become the day where we recognise the high achievers among us, those who give so much to the community.
Here is Dubbo we have a great sense of community pride and that's why Rod Towney's Public Services Medal is such a big deal, as is the Order of Australia Medals that have been presented to Wellington's Anne Jones and Narrabri's Ralph Schulze.
Mr Towney has achieved some incredible things during his career and has had some tremendous moments but said his role as Aboriginal Education and Equity Provision is the most rewarding thing he has done.
The Dubbo councillor said coming from a modest family had helped him to associate with the students he is trying to help and gave them a different perspective of him.
Likewise, the two recipients of OAMs have also contributed greatly to their respective towns.
Ms Jones is a former mayor of Wellington and long time councillor who received her award for commitment to local government. As well as 20 years of helping Wellington develop, she is also the member of a number of community groups.
Mr Schulze was a tremendous contributor to agriculture, helping the cotton industry by serving on a number of boards and committees after coming from a background as a farm manager and agronomist.
Congratulations to all recipients on their well deserved awards.