Australia Day is a fantastic opportunity for us to come together and recognise everything that makes our country such a great place to live. There really is nowhere else like it in the world.

In terms of population, we are a relatively small nation in the world but despite that, we are well known and respected by the international community.

When it comes to business, politics, sport and culture, Australia punches above its weight, mixing it with countries that have 10 times and even 50 times our own population.

We are envied around the world for our easy-going nature, our relaxed lifestyle and our idealistic landscape and climate, although a few might dispute that when we experience the recent heat, bushfires and dust storms!

It has taken time for Australia to grow into the nation we are today. I believe there are three pillars that have helped form Australia as we know it: Our Aboriginal heritage, our British links, and our multicultural diversity.

The connection between the Aboriginal people and this land goes back thousands of years and gives Australia its sense of belonging in the world. This long and proud history is something we should recognise, embrace and celebrate.

There is also our British history, that although much shorter, has shaped the way we live today. From democracy, our justice system and our systems of government, these are crucial reasons why we are regarded around the world as a nation whose people are in control of their own destiny.

The third pillar is our embrace of multiculturalism. It has allowed Australia to adopt aspects of every culture from around the world. While most recognise that people who migrate to Australia benefit from being here, as a nation we have also benefited from the diversity they bring.

In Dubbo our recent traditions has us celebrate locally in our most well-known park. Australia Day in Victoria Park can be described as the localised essence of our three pillared society. On one hand, the park, named after Queen Victoria and designed with a uniquely Edwardian theme shows our historic links to Britain, but on the other hand the site, was a gathering, ceremonial and corroboree site for our local original Australians for many thousands of years. All this while being the place we welcome new Australians as citizens. Indeed, Victoria Park, along with its associations with the Anzac legends and the home to many of our sporting events is more than fitting to celebrate everything that is great about Australia.